Age-Related Differences in Subjective Ratings of Hierarchical Information

The present study investigated differences in subjective measures (Ease of Navigation, Sense of Orientation, Satisfaction) when older and younger computer users traversed expandable and nonexpandable online hierarchical information structures. Twenty four older and 24 younger computer users participated in the study. Older users rated their computer and Internet experience significantly lower than younger participants. Two-way ANOVA analyses showed that Age was only significant in the Sense of Orientation, although the age-effect on user satisfaction became significant after Internet experience was factored out, indicating that Internet experience mediates the effect of age on user satisfaction. Neither hierarchy excelled in subjective measures. The results of the study suggest that older adults remain at a disadvantage regardless of the hierarchical design alternatives examined in the study.