Navigational Structures and Information Selection Goals: A Closer Look at Online Selectivity

Stephanie Edgerly, Emily K. Vraga, Bryan McLaughlin, German Alvarez, Jung Hwan Yang, Young Mie Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using an experimental design coupled with Web-tracking technology, this study explores 2 factors that influence levels of congruent information gathering online. The first factor compares the navigational structure of 2 distinct Web pages—the more open, user-directed search engine versus the organized, assembled structure of a portal Web page. The second factor tests the role of goals for information seeking—telling subjects they will soon engage in a discussion with another person who either disagrees with their viewpoint, agrees, is undecided, or no discussion treatment. Results indicate both experimental factors independently contribute to selectivity in online information seeking.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)542-561
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media
Volume58
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2 2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© , Copyright Taylor & Francis.

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