In search of quality : search engines and their users : a health case study examining searching techniques and quality issues

Abstract

This research investigated the Internet research methods of members of the Wellington Infertility Society. The study found that over half of the group, 55.6% used the Internet in different ways. The most common location for Internet use was the home, followed by workplace. Half of those using the Internet had also used it for health research (35 of 70), and this study investigated the research methods used. Search engines and directories were popular methods of identifying material, with 58.7% using these features. Websites were popular, although resources such as Usenet and email were also mentioned. Keywords used were generally appropriate, although the number used was comparatively small. User comments indicated mixed understanding of issues concerning the accuracy and authority of Internet resources. Recommendations for training programmes included developing a range of search strategies that incorporate a variety of keywords, and using these different search engines and directories. Promoting the most commonly used search techniques within engines and directories was also important, and encouraging an examination of multiple sites within a search result. The development of critical evaluation of Internet resources should be an important element of Internet training, and these issues can also be effectively covered within subject based websites.