Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Working memory (WM) is involved in high-level cognitive tasks such as comprehension, reasoning, and learning.Search and sensemaking (SSM) is no exception-a wide range of (meta)cognitive activities are involved in the process of making sense of a complex topic by gathering information.Prior studies have found that WM can influence search behaviors, perceptions, and outcomes.However, little work has been done to gain insights into how WM might affect the SSM process.We report on a lab study (𝑁 = 44) in which participants were binned into low-and high-WM groups.During the study, participants were asked to learn about a complex and multifaceted topic by gathering information using a web search engine and taking notes.After the search session, participants were asked to produce a summary of everything they learned.The study investigated four research questions.RQ1 and RQ2 investigate the effects of WM on post-task perceptions and search behaviors.RQ3 investigates the effects of WM on the extent to which participants engaged in specific search, sensemaking, and cognitive activities.To address RQ3, the study used a think-aloud protocol.Search sessions (i.e., recorded actions and think-aloud comments) were then analyzed using qualitative techniques.Finally, RQ4 investigates the effects of WM on learning outcomes.Our RQ4 results found that high-WM participants had better learning outcomes.Our RQ2 and RQ3 results point to possible reasons why.Despite differences for RQ2-RQ4, there were no differences in post-task perceptions (RQ1).
Authors: Bogeum Choi, Jaime Arguello
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4409973604