Searching the Web: Expert-novice Differences in a Problem Solving Context. Pub Date 1999-00-00 Note Reproductions Supplied by Edrs Are the Best That Can Be Made * * from the Original Document

The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare three experts and three novices in a Web-based problem solving context. The task was to search and evaluate Web sources for writing a research paper on a topic (inquiry based instruction, or IBI) that was unfamiliar to the users. The following research questions guided the study: (1) What type of navigational strategies do experts and novices employ to search for information on the Web?; (2) What are the novices' and experts' attitudes and feelings during the search?; and (3) What type of metacognitive strategies do experts and novices use during the Web search? Lessons learned from studying novice and expert Web users have significant instructional implications for educators and designers. Study emphasized that searching information on the Web is a complex phenomenon that requires developing a Personal Information Structure. An appendix presents a list of categories and scores for all novices and experts; and a list of sites shared among some participants and missed by other participants. (AEF) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ******************************************************************************** Searching the Web: Expert-Novice Differences In a Problem Solving Context Francesca Luconi [email protected] Diana Tabatabai [email protected] Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology McGill University, 3700 McTavish Montreal, Quebec H3A-1 Y2 "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY F. Luconi TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)." BEST COPY AMIABLE 2 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research end improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) O This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. o Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy.