International Journal of Contents

The Korea Contents Association (한국콘텐츠학회)
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User Perceptions of Uncertainty in the Evaluation of Search Results

  • Kim, Yang-Woo (Division of Knowledge & Information, Hansung University)
  • Received : 2011.11.07
  • Accepted : 2012.01.12
  • Published : 2012.03.28
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Abstract

While considerable research suggests that users' uncertainty gradually decreases, as they proceed through the information seeking process, others argue that it can arise at any stage of their information seeking process. Reflecting the latter view, this study examined user perceptions of uncertainty in the final stage of users' information seeking process, the stage of search results evaluation. Considering the significance of Web search engines for academic study, this study investigated the relevance decision stage of scholarly researchers in the field of science, who use Web search engines for their academic study. Based on the analysis of the users' uncertainty, this study provided implications to improve information systems and Web contents design.

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