Zabed Ahmed, S M; Hossain, Tania(INFLIBNET Centre, November 9, 2006)
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Abstract:
This paper reports on a human factors experiment with students’ Google searching. Two
different student groups (novice and experienced) volunteered in this study. They carried
out five search tasks and their performance was recorded through a computer screen
recording application. Data was captured on the time taken, error rates and success
score. After completion of search tasks, they all completed a questionnaire on their satisfaction
with Google. The performance data showed that overall experienced students
performed better. Differences were significant across all performance measures between
groups. Students held neither highly positive nor highly negative perceptions about Google.
Experienced students were significantly more satisfied with Google than the naive group.
The findings could be used to redesign the present Google search engine.