Analysis of users’ query reformulation behavior in Web with regard to Wholis-tic/analytic cognitive styles, Web experience, and search task type

Background and Aim: The basic aim of the present study is to investigate users’ query reformulation behavior with regard to wholistic-analytic cognitive styles, search task type, and experience variables in using the Web. Method: This study is an applied research using survey method. A total of 321 search queries were submitted by 44 users. Data collection tools were Riding’s Cognitive Style Analysis test, Web experience questionnaire, and three search tasks. Results: Results indicated that analytic formulated more queries and longer than wholistic to complete search taks and hi-experienced users formulated more queries and shorter than low-experienced users in completing their tasks.  We identified five methods of query reformulation types: New, Add, Replace, Remove, Repeat. Strong correlations were observed between Add and Replace. Results indicated that there were significant different between query reformulation behavior of wholist and analytic and analytic users seemed to be better than their wholist peers in query reformulations. Also findings showed that the more complex tasks, the more number of search quries to complete tasks. The New and Add dominated amongst the query formulations while performing Web searching. Conclusion: Future HCI researchers and IS developers can utilize the study results to develop interactive and user-cantered search model, and to provide context-based query suggestions for users.