Location of the Table of Contents in Web Documents: Same Screen or Separate Screen

This study compares two ways of presenting a table of contents (TOC) in academic web documents: showing the TOC on a separate screen (SE version) and showing the TOC on the same screen as the contents (SA version). Twenty participants answered one set of questions using one web handbook and then a second set of questions using a second handbook. There were no significant differences in time taken and accuracy in answering questions between the two versions (SA and SE). However, the participants significantly preferred the SA version and also believed that this version makes it easier for them to find information. They also felt more comfortable using this configuration because they did not have to go back to the TOC. Yet, the participants' navigation was less efficient, as they clicked on significantly more TOC links of the SA version, visiting more pages to find the answers to questions. This may suggest that the presentation of the TOC on a separate screen from the web content ...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: IADIS
• Authors: Virginia T. Souto, Mary C. Dyson
• Keywords: Academic Web Documents, IADIS 2004, IADIS 2008, SA Version, Separate Screen