Medical Image Users' Search Tactics across Different Search Tasks

Abstract

Image searching behaviors are complex interactions among many factors. This study sheds light on the effects of two key factors (domain knowledge and search tasks) on search tactics in order to provide implementation guides for designing medical image information systems. 41 participants were recruited to perform on three types of image search tasks. The preliminary results demonstrated that domain knowledge and search tasks have significant effects on two types of search tactics: Term Selection Tactics and Search Monitoring Tactics. More specifically, domain experts are more likely to use self-generated queries, spend longer time in reading instructions (preparation for searching). Novices were found to use more given or derived queries and to re-read instructions most in order to compensate for their inability to understand and memorize search topics. This study found that Specific Tasks result in more use of search tactics such as Re-reading Instructions than General Tasks and Abstract Tasks.