Investigating Query Behavior in Information Searching on the Web by Postgraduate Students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Query formulation is an essential part of successful information retrieval. The challenges in formulating effective queries are emphasized in the web information search, because the web is used by a diverse population with diverse information needs, different goals and different levels of experience and topic familiarity. This research was conducted to investigate the queries variations based on the contextual factors by Postgraduate Students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences on the Web. This study was conducted through a mixed method. Thirty postgraduate students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences voluntarily participated the study in the first semester of the academic year 91-92. The data was gathered using two questionnaires and log file with using Camtasia Studio software. The questionnaires were calculated by Cronbach's alpha first questionnaire (0.90) and second questionnaire (0.87) and their reliability was confirmed by experts. SPSS19 was used to analyze the data. Three hundred and ninety-nine queries were searched the mean of iteration, was 13.30. The query iteration was significantly different based on search experience, ease of use, usefulness, satisfaction, relevance judgment. The mean of query length was 3.31. Users used two keywords in your search query. The findings indicated a significant relationship between query length with retrieval actions (viewing, navigating and Extracting) in search engines and websites. There was no significant different between the contextual factors (search experience and topic familiarity) with retrieval action (navigating and Extracting. In conclusion, this study showed that querying behavior in information searching processes on the Web varied across a user‘s contextual factors. Since experience in search leads in more efficient search, it is suggested to train students. According to the relationship between evaluation variables and search behavior, it's suggested to design interfaces matching the user's needs. The study includes implications for database and information retrieval systems designers.