Analysis of User Interface Environment in Scientific Databases According to the Viewpoints of Postgraduate Students Applying Dervin's Sense-Making Theory

The purpose of this study was to analyze the user interface environment of some databases (Science Direct, Springer, Clinical Key, and Wiley online library) from the perspective of users applying Dervin's sense-making theory.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 100 PhD students and research-based PhD students in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis.

The components of Dervin's sense-making theory are applicable in the user interface environment of the databases investigated. The highest mean score was found in the aid/use component in Science Direct (2.11) and the lowest mean score was associated with the split component in Clinical Key (2.02). There were differences between the mean scores for the components of the Dervin's model between PhD student users (1.99) and the research-based PhD student users (2.33).

The study showed that the user interface environments of the databases moderately support users' information seeking behavior. Dervin's sense-making theory could help users in difficult and ambiguous situations.