The role of attention dimensions in web-search behaviour and performance

The study of web-search behaviour and performance is one of the topics of interest to researchers in the field of information science. This research aimed to investigate the impact of alternating, selective and sustained attention levels on web-search strategies, navigational styles, query reformulation, information processing approaches, satisfaction and success rate during web-search. Using a causal-comparative design, participants first completed a computerised attention test comprising the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test and Continuous Performance Test, after which they performed two web-search tasks on Google. Their behaviours were recorded and analysed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and one-way analysis of variance for performance measures. The findings showed that users with a high level of alternating attention preferred the combined search strategy and used more ‘Replace’ strategies in their query reformulations. However, in other measures of behaviour and performance, they did not exhibit any significant difference compared with the inattentive group. Also, users with a high level of selective attention preferred the scanning processing approach and used more ‘New’ and ‘Add’ strategies in their query reformulations; however, in other measures of behaviour and performance, they did not show any significant difference compared with the inattentive group. However, users with a high level of sustained attention preferred the reading processing approach and performed more successfully in their web-search tasks. However, in other measures of behaviour and performance, they did not show any significant difference compared with the inattentive group. These findings highlight the need to consider users’ cognitive profiles when designing search engine interfaces.