Abstract
ABSTRACTThere are two main ways to retrieve files: hierarchical folder navigation and query‐based search using a search engine. Research consistently shows that users prefer retrieving files using folder navigation, rather than more flexible query‐based search. But desktop search engines continue to improve, so does this mean that younger generations rely more on search as their usage habits were formed when experiencing more effective search? This study tested age effects on search use by asking 289 participants to retrieve 1,557 of their shared files. Counterintuitively, our results showed a positive correlation between age and search percentage, with participants over fifty searching over four times as much as participants in their twenties. Results were confirmed by an n = 653 combined data analysis. A possible explanation is that older participants forget the location of their files. We discuss the deep neuro‐cognitive roots of navigation preference which may also explain our findings.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.