From Accessibility to Assess-Ability: An Evaluation Heuristic Based on Cognitive Engagement in Search

This investigation into information searching behaviour focuses on the users’ critical assessment of information when found in response to an information need, and on the cognitive aspects of search involving in the user in the assimilation of the information found. The meta analysis of a questionnaire based survey seeks to identify the constructs of the users’ assessment of information. Factor analysis of the participants’ responses identifies the assessment of the ‘cognitive relevance’ as vital in distinguishing the searcher who appears to be intent on finding information as opposed to one engaged in the relatively simple task of looking up information. The value in the development of the questionnaire designed to identify the users’ cognitive engagement in search is considered for testing the interface designed to optimize the user’s involvement in search. Turning to the question of the design of the interface itself, the heuristic of assess-ability (of the information retrieved) is proposed for use in the expert review of the search interface, and to support the user in their critical assessment and verification of the information relevancy, quality and credibility.