Diane Nahl

Bio: Diane Nahl is an academic researcher from University of Hawaii. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information behavior & Information literacy. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 36 publications receiving 1123 citations. Previous affiliations of Diane Nahl include University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Affective and cognitive searching behavior of novice end-users of a full-text database

Abstract: Novice end users were given 2 hours of training in searching a full-text magazine database (Magazine ASAP™) on DIALOG. Subjects searched during three to four sessions in the presence of a trained monitor who prompted them to think aloud throughout the sessions. Qualitative analysis of the transcripts and transaction logs yielded empirical information on user variables (purpose, motivation, satisfaction), uses of the database, move types, and every question users asked during the searches. The spontaneous, naturalistic questions were categorized according to affective, cognitive, and sensorimotor speech acts. Results show that most of the searches were performed for the self and were work-related. The most common use of the database was to retrieve full-text articles online and to download and print them out rather than read them on screen. The majority of searches were judged satisfactory. Innovative uses included browsing for background information and obtaining contextualized sentences for language teaching. Searchers made twice as many moves to limit sets as moves to expand sets. Affective questions outnumbered cognitive and sensorimotor questions by two to one. This preponderance of affective micro-information needs during searching might be addressed by new system functions. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Measuring the affective information environment of web searchers

Abstract: Information seeking research and theory is focusing increasingly on the role of affect in information behavior and how it influences cognitive operations. Affective variables that have been explored include need, preference, attitude, task motivation, expected and felt effort, uncertainty, self-efficacy, optimism, relevance, satisfaction, and acceptance of or loyalty to the system. This study gives operational definitions for measuring several affective variables in the form of rating scales filled out by college students at the beginning and end of weekly Web search sessions throughout a semester. Intercorrelations and ANOVA analyses showed that there is a dynamic and coherent interaction among these affective variables. It is shown that the affective environment of searchers can be monitored objectively and continuously by means of such measures. A new concept termed “affective load” is introduced and defined, along with “user coping skills” which can counteract and reduce the negative effects of uncertainty, frustration, anxiety, irritation and rage during searching.

Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare

Abstract: This book investigates aspects of road rage and the origins of its development. Presenting numerous case studies relating examples of road rage behavior, the authors have provided an indepth examination of aggressive driver behavior known as road rage. Not just a problem in the United States, examples of road rage can be found in almost every country. Mounting death and injury statistics reflect billions of dollars expended for health care, loss of employment and human suffering. While cars and roadways are safer than ever before, design and engineering improvements can not mitigate hostile and angry drivers. Examining causes of driver hostility, including alcohol and drug abuse, emotional triggers, traffic congestion stress, and automotive vigilantism, the authors attempt to define and explain why some drivers do what they do. To reduce the incidence of road rage and aggressive driver behavior, this book also provides self-tests to measure possible aggressive driving tendencies, motorist check lists to compare reactions and responses with positive driver behavior standards and a look at city, state and federal government proposals to crack down on aggressive driving and drivers, such as tough new laws, traffic calming devices, electronic surveillance and an increased police presence.

What drives a successful e-Learning? An empirical investigation of the critical factors influencing learner satisfaction

Abstract: E-learning is emerging as the new paradigm of modern education. Worldwide, the e-learning market has a growth rate of 35.6%, but failures exist. Little is known about why many users stop their online learning after their initial experience. Previous research done under different task environments has suggested a variety of factors affecting user satisfaction with e-Learning. This study developed an integrated model with six dimensions: learners, instructors, courses, technology, design, and environment. A survey was conducted to investigate the critical factors affecting learners' satisfaction in e-Learning. The results revealed that learner computer anxiety, instructor attitude toward e-Learning, e-Learning course flexibility, e-Learning course quality, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and diversity in assessments are the critical factors affecting learners' perceived satisfaction. The results show institutions how to improve learner satisfaction and further strengthen their e-Learning implementation.

Looking for Information: A Survey of Research on Information Seeking, Needs and Behavior

Abstract: Abbreviated Contents Figures and Tables Preface Introduction and Examples Concepts Relevant to Information Behavior Models, Paradigms, and Theories in the Study of Information Behavior Methods for Studying Information Behavior Research Results and Reflections Appendix: Glossary Appendix: Questions for Discussion and Application References Index

Internet Self-Efficacy and the Psychology of the Digital Divide

Abstract: Internet self-efficacy, or the belief in one's capabilities to organize and execute courses of Internet actions required to produce given attainments, is a potentially important factor in efforts to close the digital divide that separates experienced Internet users from novices. Prior research on Internet self-efficacy has been limited to examining specific task performance and narrow behavioral domains rather than overall attainments in relation to general Internet use, and has not yielded evidence of reliability and construct validity. Survey data were collected to develop a reliable operational measure of Internet self-efficacy and to examine its construct validity. An eight-item Internet self-efficacy scale developed for the present study was found to be reliable and internally consistent. Prior Internet experience, outcome expectancies and Internet use were significantly and positively correlated to Internet self-efficacy judgments. Internet stress and self-disparagement were negatively related to Internet self-efficacy. A path analysis model was tested within the theoretical framework of social cognitive theory (Bandura (1997).