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Dissertation
Strategy preferences in computer display navigation: possible implication for gender differences
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
1994
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00009129
Abstract
The increase in the complexity of computer systems and the number and diversity of people using them have made the study of individual differences in computer display navigation crucial to the development of robust human-computer interfaces. However, the study of individual differences among users has not been a major focus of applied research in human-computer interaction or of commercial computer interface designers. Accordingly, this study examined individual differences among computer users by studying the strategies users employed to navigate through a computer display network. The display network consisted of a 5 x 5 matrix of black and white objects of various shapes and densities. Subjects received either an outcome- or a method-based navigational task. An outcome-based task entailed navigating from the current object to a target object via any route in the shortest amount of time. A method-based task entailed navigating from the current object to a target object via the shortest route in the shortest amount of time. Additionally, subjects received one of two spatial navigational aids; a physical map or iconic road signs. Results showed that there were strategy differences among users that could not be readily explained as a function of users' navigational task and aid. Clusters of individuals, within the same task and aid condition, used different strategies to navigate the information space. In less complex conditions, different strategies did not lead to performance differences while in more complex conditions, different strategies did lead to significant performance differences. Differences in the way in which males and females navigated were also suggested but these gender differences were found only in the complex conditions. Males used constructive or global strategies whereas females used analytic or sequential strategies to navigate. In contrast to males, females deviated more from the direct path, were more disoriented and did not internalize the information space. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that strategy differences play an important role in determining users' spatial behavior in electronic information space. A better understanding of these individual differences should help design robust human-computer interfaces and minimize the gap between fast pacing technology and its users.
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Details
- Title
- Strategy preferences in computer display navigation
- Creators
- Rebecca S. Lipner
- Contributors
- Gary W. Strong (Advisor) - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xii, 207 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Information Studies (1984-1995); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021888970004721