Information Search Strategies and Techniques (A Case Study of Researchers at the Iranian Academy of Arts)

Document Type : Research َ Article

Authors

1 Doctoral student of information science, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Information Science, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

10.30484/nastinfo.2024.3631.2289

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyzes the information search strategies and techniques employed by researchers at the Iranian Academy of Arts.
Method: This applied research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative component employed a semi-experimental design, while the qualitative component utilized content analysis. Data collection tools included questionnaires and observations for the quantitative phase and semi-structured interviews for the qualitative phase. The research population consisted of researchers in the fields of theater, cinema, architecture, painting, and music at the Iranian Academy of Arts, selected through purposive sampling. A total of 48 researchers, who were accessible and willing to participate, were included as the sample. Data were gathered in two stages: (1) completion of demographic questionnaires, search experience assessments, and observation of search task performance, and (2) textual analysis of interview content. Screen recordings of user interactions were captured using Camtasia Studio software. Descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and frequency, were calculated. Information-seeking behavior patterns, strategies, and techniques were identified and mapped. Statistical analyses, including single-variable t-tests, independent t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were performed using SPSS software.
Findings: The findings indicate that researchers with doctoral degrees in the arts employed relevant strategies and techniques for information searching, whereas those with master’s degrees tended to use less relevant and repetitive approaches. Participants exhibited varied behaviors during search tasks, utilizing strategies and techniques to a limited extent. In the initial search phase, a total of 409 strategies and techniques were applied. For difficult tasks, participants engaged in systematic reading, reviewed retrieved pages, and spent more time on the process. In contrast, for easy tasks, they browsed a larger number of pages in less time, selecting results using various methods. Some participants reviewed and studied retrieved results based on the search tasks, employing diverse approaches. The findings can assist search engine and information system designers in developing more effective tools for retrieving art-related information, enabling users to access results aligned with their information needs more efficiently. Analysis of web-based information search behavior can also contribute to the development of information search and retrieval models. Statistical data revealed that in easy search tasks, strategies such as using the Google search engine (frequency: 976) and formulating queries from general to specific terms were most prevalent. The chi-square test confirmed a significant difference between easy and difficult search styles (χ² = 1.324, p < 0.05). Search behavior was more frequent in the easy style (frequency: 976) compared to the difficult style (frequency: 948), although no significant difference was observed between the first and second tasks (p = 0.0897).
Conclusion: A total of 1924 strategies and techniques were used across search stages. Users performed easy tasks more quickly, while difficult tasks involved deeper analysis, as confirmed by statistical and descriptive analyses. These findings can inform the design of improved art information search tools.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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  • Receive Date: 31 July 2024
  • Revise Date: 29 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 15 October 2024

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