Including both time and accuracy in defining text search efficiency

Abstract

Factors related to efficiency in a textbook search task were examined. Previous definitions of search efficiency have used time as the only index in defining efficiency. The present study used a definition that included both time and accuracy. One hundred and twenty-nine university students searched for answers to eight low-inference questions in an earth science textbook and were administered the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Time and accuracy involved distinct processes; accuracy was related to verbal competence. Measures of planning and extracting information accounted for 59% of the variance in search efficiency. Both accuracy and rate need to be included in defining text search efficiency. © 1994, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.