Individual differences in internet search outcomes and processes

Abstract

A study was conducted, with 180 participants, to evaluate whether individual differences in basic cognitive abilities (i.e., spatial and verbal ability), attitudes towards computers, and prior experience with computers influence peoples' ability to search for and find information on the internet. Spatial and verbal ability, as well as attitudes towards computers, influenced the accuracy and speed of internet search. Current analyses are focusing on whether cognitive abilities and attitudes influence component search processes, as well as overall accuracy and speed.