Revealing the hidden rationality of user browsing behaviour

In this paper, we analyse web log data from user trials of the WHURLE-LS adaptive educational hypermedia (AEH) system from a behavioural perspective. This system allows users to switch from one presentational mode to another (visual, verbal or neutral), and this paper investigates users’ choice of mode as they interacted with the system. We present the main findings of the browsing behaviours within the framework of rational choice theory, and discuss why and when switching might have occurred. Categories and Subject Descriptors H.5.4 [Information interfaces and presentation]: Hypertext/Hypermedia - navigation, user issues. General Terms Measurement, Economics, Experimentation, Human Factors, Theory. Keywords Browsing, learning styles, rational choice theory, bounded rationality, expected user behaviour, mode switching.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: HT
• Authors: Elizabeth J. Brown, Tim J. Brailsford, Tony Fisher, Cees van der Eijk
• Keywords: Adaptive Educational Hypermedia, HT 2007, Internet Technology, Paper Investigates Users, Rational Choice Theory