Explore eye movement patterns in search result evaluation and individual document evaluation

Abstract

This study aims to explore users’ eye movement patterns in their evaluation of search results and the corresponding individual webpages. Eye-tracking logs, questionnaires, and interviews were applied to collect data. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and social network analysis were utilized in data analysis. Two transition networks for search result evaluation and individual document evaluation were obtained by social network analysis tool. The findings show that in search result evaluations, participants examined abstract, title and URL the most among all the elements, while in individual document evaluation, full text was examined the most. The transition networks further indicates the most frequent transition action is shifting from title to abstract. For individual document evaluation. The findings will help the enhancement of interface design of search result pages and individual document pages in order to promote search effectiveness and efficiency.