Is Choice Accuracy Related to Information Search Patterns (Is de Juistheid van een Keuze Gerelateerd aan het Informatiezoekpatrron)?
Abstract
In this experiment the hypothesis was tested that changing information search patterns, that are observed when task complexity increases, can be explained by an adaptive response to the choice environment. Two factors were manipulated: Task complexity (number of alternatives and number of dimensions) and type of task (a multidimensional task requiring a choice between apartments and a unidimensional task requiring a choice between shopping baskets). Forty subjects made choices by means of computerized information boards. The results showed effects of both complexity and type of task on the information search patterns. the lowest proportion of requested information and the most variable search pattern was observed for the appartments task in the complex task condition. However, accuracy remained constant over all complexity conditions. Together the results suggest that under high task complexity levels subjects try to work smarter rather than harder. Top-down approaches, such as making use of prior knowledge, the structure of the task, and the kind of goal, allow them to maintain accuracy and to avoid the integration of large amounts of information.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 29, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA245419
Entities
People
- J. H. Kerstholt