A Study of the Relationship Between Cognitive Ability and Information Searching Performance

The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for predicting searching performance through an understanding of how cognitive ability relates to searching process and outcome. Specifically, this study examined the relationship between spatial visualization, logical reasoning, integrative reasoning, and information searching process and outcome. Information searching process was assessed by seven search process indicators: (1) search command selection: (2) combination of search commands; (3) application of Boolean logic: (4) application of truncation; (5) use of limit search function; (6) number of search statements; and (7) number of search errors made. Searching outcome was assessed by the number of correct answers to search questions. Subjects first took three standardized cognitive tests that measured cognitive abilities, and performed online catalog searching in response to seven information search questions. The searches were logged using Lotus ScreenCam, and reviewed for the analysis. Factor analysis was used to find underlying structures of the seven search process variables. Multiple regression analysis was applied to examine the predictive power of three cognitive variables on three extracted factors, and search outcome. Results of the data analysis showed that individual differences in logical reasoning could predict information searching process and outcome.