Examining information search behaviors in small physical space: An escape room study

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this experimental study for understanding individuals' searching behavior in different environments, we investigated activities that involved looking for information in a limited physical space. 31 participants were asked to navigate an escape room installed in our lab and their behavior was recorded by a wearable camera. Annotated activities were analyzed by information behavior models developed by Kuhlthau (1991) and Ellis (1989). While the two models are associated with different aspects of information search behavior, dichotomous behavior ‐ such as depth‐first vs. breadth‐first approaches ‐ were observed between participants.