Heather L. O'Brien

The influence of hedonic and utilitarian motivations on user engagement: The case of online shopping experiences

User experience seeks to promote rich, engaging interactions between users and systems. In order for this experience to unfold, the user must be motivated to initiate an interaction with the technology. This study explored hedonic and utilitarian motivations in the context of user engagement with online shopping. Factor analysis was performed to identify a parsimonious set of factors from the Hedonic and Utilitarian Shopping Motivation Scale and the User Engagement Scale based on responses from 802 shoppers. Multiple linear regression was used to test hypotheses with hedonic and utilitarian motivations (Idea, Social, Adventure/Gratification, Value and Achievement Shopping) and attributes of user engagement (Aesthetics, Focused Attention, Perceived Usability, and Endurability). Results demonstrate the salience of Adventure/Gratification Shopping and Achievement Shopping Motivations to specific variables of user engagement in the e-commerce environment and provide considerations for the inclusion of different types of motivation into models of engaging user experiences.

Understanding the information and communication technology needs of the e‐humanist

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the needs of humanists with respect to information and communication technology (ICT) in order to prescribe the design of an e‐humanists workbench.Design/methodology/approach – A web‐based survey comprising over 60 questions gathered the following data from 169 humanists: profile of the humanist, use of ICT in teaching, e‐texts, text analysis tools, access to and use of primary and secondary sources, and use of collaboration and communication tools.Findings – Humanists conduct varied forms of research and use multiple techniques. They rely on the availability of inexpensive, quality‐controlled e‐texts for their research. The existence of primary sources in digital form influences the type of research conducted. They are unaware of existing tools for conducting text analyses, but expressed a need for better tools. Search engines have replaced the library catalogue as the key access tool for sources. Research continues to be solitary with little collabor...

Task Effects on Interactive Search: The Query Factor

The purpose of this research is to examine how search differs according to selected task variables. Three types of task information goals and two types of task structures were explored. This mixed within- and between-subjects designed study had 96 participants complete three of 12 tasks in a laboratory setting using a specialized search system based on Lucene. Using a combination metrics (user perception collected by questionnaires, transaction log data, and characteristics of relevant documents), we assessed the effect of goals and structure on search as demonstrated through queries and their use in interactive searching.

Searching for relevance in the relevance of search

Discussion of relevance has permeated the information science literature for the past 50+ years, and yet we are no closer to resolution of the matter. In this research we developed a set of measures to operationalize the dimensions underpinning Saracevics manifestations of relevance. We used an existing data set collected from 48 participants who used a web search engine to complete four search tasks that represent four subject domains. From this study which had assessed multiple aspects of the search process – from cognitive to behavioural – we derived a set of measures for cognitive, motivational, situational, topical and system relevances. Using regression analysis, we demonstrate how the measures partially predict search success, and additionally use factor analysis to identify the underlying constructs of relevance. The results show that Saracevics five manifestations may be merged into three types that represent the user, system and the task.

An empirical evaluation of the User Engagement Scale (UES) in online news environments

We examined the robustness of the User Engagement Scale (UES).Three studies were conducted in Canada and the United Kingdom.The UES sub-scales were reliable across three samples of online news browser.A four-factor structure, rather than six, may be more appropriate.The UES differentiated between online news sources and experimental conditions. Questionnaires are commonly used to measure attitudes toward systems and perceptions of search experiences. Whilst the face validity of such measures has been established through repeated use in information retrieval research, their reliability and wider validity are not typically examined; this threatens internal validity. The evaluation of self-report questionnaires is important not only for the internal validity of studies and, by extension, increased confidence in the results, but also for examining constructs of interest over time and across different domains and systems.In this paper, we look at a specific questionnaire, the User Engagement Scale (UES), for its robustness as a measure. We describe three empirical studies conducted in the online news domain and investigate the reliability and validity of the UES. Our results demonstrate good reliability of the UES sub-scales; however, we argue that a four-factor structure may be more appropriate than the original six-factor structure proposed in earlier work. In addition, we found evidence to suggest that the UES can differentiate between systems (in this case, online news sources) and experimental conditions (i.e., the type of media used to present online content).

Developing and evaluating a reliable measure of user engagement

Increased emphasis on user experiences with technology demonstrates that systems must be not only usable, but engaging. Engagement, defined as a quality of user experience, is a multidimensional construct characterized by aesthetic appeal, novelty, perceived challenge, feedback and control, attention, motivation, and affect. To measure engagement, we developed a multidimensional instrument and surveyed 440 online shoppers to assess its reliability and construct validity. Results of exploratory factor analysis showed that engagement is comprised of six distinct factors: perceived usability, aesthetics, focused attention, involvement, novelty, and endurability.

Is there a universal instrument for measuring interactive information retrieval?: the case of the user engagement scale

This paper examines the validity of the User Engagement Scale (UES). Originally developed and tested in e-shopping, the scale was administered to users of a multimedia webcast system in an experimental setting. Factor analysis examined the structure and loadings of 31 items. As in previous research, a six-factor solution was found. However, the number of items was reduced and one of the original sub-scales (Felt Involvement) was eliminated. These results are examined contextually by comparing the current study with previous research. The findings discuss the feasibility of a universal measure of user engagement in Interactive Information Retrieval (IIR).

The effects of textual environment on reading comprehension

This paper reports on a study of digital reading that investigates the effects of different textual environments on information interaction and comprehension outcomes. While there is a large body of literature that compares print and digital reading, research that compares differently designed digital reading environments is limited. Such work can inform the design of information and search systems intended to support learning. This study investigated the effects of two design dimensions: Text Presentation (Plain Text vs In-Context) and Interactivity (availability of Reading Tools). Results show that the simplest textual environment (Plain Text presentation with no Interactivity) was associated with the highest comprehension outcomes, but that Interactivity mitigated the negative effects of texts presented In-Context. Both time spent reading and certain reading behaviours varied to some extent by condition and may be associated with comprehension; however, personal characteristics of the readers played little to no role in determining outcomes.

Exploring social context in mobile information behavior

This paper reports on the social context of mobile information behavior based on an interview and diary study (n=19). We examine different types of mobile information behavior and how these are affected by social variables. In addition, we compare social and non-social mobile information behavior in terms of where it occurs, applications utilized, expressed information needs of users, and levels of satisfaction. We promote a broader view of how social context shapes and is shaped by mobile information behavior.

Exploring the complexities of information practices through arts-based research

Within and beyond Library and Information Science (LIS), researchers are employing participatory, arts-based research as one way of extending traditional research methods. The use of creative methods can enrich our understanding of complex information practices, particularly in multimedia information environments. This panel will provide an overview of arts-involved practices of data collection, data analysis and knowledge exchange, including examples of specific applications within LIS research projects. We will discuss the ways creative arts may function socially and psychologically among researchers and research participants, as well as topics and populations with which arts-involved methods may be especially enriching.