rahmatollah fattahi

The body of interdisciplinary research has become much rigorous during the last three decades, and a large number of theses, articles, books, and even several interdisciplinary journals are published in various fields, including information and knowledge science. There is also a considerable tendency among universities to launch interdisciplinary courses and also among Iranian researchers for interdisciplinary studies. Now, doing a thesis with an interdisciplinary approach is a kind of innovation and an academic privilege. However, many researchers, supervisors, graduate students, and reviewers of articles or research projects are not aware of the requirements and frameworks of interdisciplinary research and, as a result, unaware of the methods of evaluating such studies. Compared to the existence of books and articles related to the evaluation of interdisciplinary studies in English language that present various frameworks and methods, we lack examples in Persian language in this field. In this article, by reviewing some related articles and books, a specific framework and criteria for evaluating interdisciplinary research based on the main and conventional parts of a research article are introduced. According to this, sections such as the title, abstract, keywords, theoretical foundations, objectives, statement of the problem, questions or hypotheses, research background, methodology, findings, conclusions, and cited sources can be evaluated based on criteria. This would be helpful to identify concrete examples to check the extent of researchers' attention to interdisciplinary frameworks and approaches. The frameworks and criteria introduced in this article are useful for researchers, supervisors, students and reviewers of theses or scientific articles, including the field of information and knowledge sciences.

The purpose of this study was to identify those elements of user interface (i.e. navigation, structure, graphic, and content), in which users are interested since they are either visually familiar or new to themand could remain in their long term memory. Therefore, in this study, users' interaction with elements of website interfaces was investigated through information processing theorybased on the eye-mind hypothesis with considering their capabilities (i.e. learning style, information and computer literacy).

This research was carried out through an applicatory & explanatory method. The research population consisted of postgraduate students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. For data gathering, interactive sessions using eye tracker was used. The four elements i.e. navigation, structure, graphics, and content of the Wikipedia's website were considered as the testbed and a set of tasks were defined and participants were asked to perform them, carrying these tasks out formed the interactive sessions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data. In the descriptive section, frequency, percent, central tendency measures such as mean and dispersion indices such as standard deviation were used. As for the inferential secion, appropriate statistical measures were used to test the null hypothese; among them we can mention the multivariate two factor analysis of covariance, single variable two factors of covariance analysis and repeated measurement.

The results show that among the studied elements, the navinavigations the highest number of subjects' fixation count, and graphics, content and structure occupy the next ranks respectively. Maximum and minimum fixtation count for navigation is 0.87 and for structure is 0.34. the longest participants’ fixation duration was related to navigation element, and after that graphics, structure and content respectively. Maximum fixtation duration is for navigation (0.81) and minimum fixation duration is attributed to the content element (0.42).

Changing in interface design paradigms caused users pay little attention to content elements and become more interested in visual elements instead. By examining the eye movements of the users in this research, it is now evident that the user interface elements have impact on the users' eye movements. During the process of interaction, the users' eye movements changed from attending general elements to attending more complex ones.The results of this study is useful for user interface designers to design better user interface for stable, consistent and deep interaction with users which helps better information processing. So, based on looking behavior (through users’ eye tracking) and obtaining information regarding visited webpage, designers can get essential knowledge for specifying necessary main elements and subsidiary components in web page designing and organizing\layouting them.

The purpose of this study is to identify any possible effect of users’ capabilities, such as learning styles, information or computer literacy, on their eye-movements during interaction with website interfaces, based on eye-mind hypothesis. This research was carried out through explanatory sequential mixed method. The research population was postgraduate students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Sampling was done through sequential mixed method by sampling in each layer (multilevel). Finally, 20 subjects were selected. During data gathering, various tools and approaches such as Felder and Soloman Learning Style questionnaire, Information literacy and computer literacy questionnaire, interactive sessions using eye tracker were used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. The findings of this study showed a high correlation between computer literacy and information literacy of students. Eye movements of users during interaction with website interfaces was influenced by users’ capabilities. There was a relationship between information literacy and eye movements. The fixation duration was higher for subjects with higher information literacy than those with less information literacy. Subjects with a sensory learning style experienced a greater fixation count. Yet for those who had a sequential style, the fixation duration was longer, but the fixation count due to the linear look at the user interface was less than the global style. Subjects with lower information literacy and reflective learning style experienced more fixation counts. Those with active learning style and high information literacy had longer fixation durations. Subjects with lower levels of information literacy had more fixation count than those with higher information literacy. By examining the eye movements of the users in this research, it was determined that the user interface can affect the eye movement of the users. In the process of interaction, the users’ eye movements changed from more general elements to more complex elements. In general, it was found that the level of information literacy may direct users’ eye movements, while interacting with website, and affect how information is extracted from the interface. Also, the learning style affected the movement of the eyes of the users during the interaction.

The process of information seeking and retrieval is a very complex cognitive process. One of the important approaches to exploring and understanding this process is to examine the user’s experiences. The purpose of this study was to concept and understand the Ph.D. students’ experience of the phenomenon of information seeking and retrieval in their research process.The approach of this study was interpretative that was carried out through qualitative phenomenographical research method. The participants in this study were Ph.D. students in different fields at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2019. Sampling was purposeful, criterion and snowball. The maximum diversity was considered in the sample selection and was continued to the theoretical saturation of data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 students. Interviews were implemented and analyzed through an inductive and theoretical coding method using MAQDA12 software.The results showed that after analyzing the data gathered from the interviews, six descriptive categories emerged about how Ph.D. students perceived and experienced the information seeking and retrieval phenomenon. Six categories were information seeking and retrieval as an endless sea, a valuable treasure, a road full of lights, the key to rescuing, eating the desired fruit, and a bridge to reach knowledge. The results showed that the Ph.D. students described the information seeking and retrieval in their research process as important and necessary and that their main problem was learning and teaching which made them feel unpleasant.Although this qualitative study does not aim to generalize the findings, however, according to the findings of the present research at the outcome space, this type of students’ perception and description of information seeking and retrieval phenomena at the highest academic degree is an alarm for the higher education system and should be taken seriously into consideration.

The important role of cognitive biases aspects at different stages of information retrieval is mentioned in most information retrieval models. So, it is necessary to understand cognitive aspects of behavior and human interaction. Since one of effective cognitive aspects in information searching is cognitive biases and users experience them, the effect of these biases should be considered. According to this, the purpose of this study is to investigate the role of demographic variables in frequency of cognitive biases in information retrieval. The method of this study is survey; in terms of purpose, this is an applied research implemented in combined method (qualitative and quantitative). The research population was graduate students of the Ferdowsi University (humanities students and engineering students) that were studying at this university in second semester, 1397-1398. In this research, data were collected using the stratified sampling method. The required data for this research was gathered based on log file and semi-structured interview that were based on check list of different cognitive biases.  The content validity of interview questions was evaluated by KIS and psychology specialists and the reliability of both instruments is also correlated with the coefficient of agreement between the opinions of two evaluators that was 0.95. The results showed that in the cognitive biases, including “anchoring”, “attention” and “mere exposure”, there was a significant difference between the frequency of these biases occurrences in users based on gender. Also, in the cognitive biases, including “overconfidence”, “recency”, “attention” and “availability”, there was a significant difference between the frequency of these biases occurrences in users based on grade (M.A. And PhD). Other findings showed that in the cognitive biases, including “regency” and “attention”, there was a significant difference between the frequency of these biases occurrences in users based on field of study (humanities and engineering). Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that designers of information retrieval systems and librarians should pay attention to the demographic variables (gender, degree and field of study) in designing and evaluating of information systems because these variables can affect frequency of some biases occurrences in information searching. Of course, the impact of factors like age group, character types, mental schemas, culture and information literacy rate should not be overlooked.

With the development of the web, image search is considered to be one of the most important approaches and one of the major challenges for users. On the other hand, relevance as a cognitive concept has always been of interest and dates back to the time when one tried to retrieve and make good use of information. The inadequacy of the algorithmic approach proved that it is only the user himself who can judge the relevance of the document to its need and use. As a result, mental attitude has replaced military relevance in relevance studies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the viewpoints of graduate students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad on subjective and objective criteria of relevance judgment in image retrieval from Google search engine in order to provide solutions to improve the retrieval approach in image retrieval systems.

This is an applied research using survey method. The statistical population of this study is graduate students of Ferdowsi University. Thirty male and female of BA, MA and doctoral students from various faculties of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad formed the sample of this study. The research data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of four sections. The first and the second part of the questionnaire before the beginning of the search session and the third and fourth part of the questionnaire after the end of the search session were given to the subjects. In this regard, subjective and objective criteria of judgment of the users in relation to the images were studied in order to determine with what criteria the users judge the relevance of the images and make their choice.

The findings showed that, in both subjective and objective judgment stages, except for "subject" criteria, "updating", "image attraction", "accessibility" and "information quality" criteria were important. The most relevant criteria for judging students regarding the relevance of images retrieved in Google's search engine were identified. In addition to the stated criteria, it was observed that the users focused on the "information effect" with emphasis on criteria such as "interesting" and "enjoyable" and the average score above these criteria indicates their importance. The findings also indicated that users place less importance on the creator(s) of the image as a specific criterion in the web environment, and these criteria are not among their top priorities in information selection. In general, it can be said that the judgment of the user on the basis of their needs, feelings and situation is very important. It is recommended that further research be carried out in order to obtain new findings in order to assist in the design of more efficient and more appropriate image search engines that are consistent with user behavior and characteristics.

What distinguishes the present study from other studies is the image search approach that has been studied with emphasis on Iranian users, Google search engine, and in two stages of subjective judgment and objective judgment that differs from the other researches.

Childhood is the root of many behavioral and emotional problems in adulthood. The purpose of this study is to acknowledge children’s capabilities in identifying and understanding the elements of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in children's stories.

The discourse analysis and discursive psychology (DP) approach were used in this study. The sample was 12 children (in ages 7 to 12 years old) who were active members of 3 different branches of the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children in Mashhad (2 boys and 2 girls from each branch). These children participated in 3 natural language discussion sessions. Each session lasted for 1 or 1.5 hours which resulted in a 9-hour conversation. Based on the discursive psychology, as body language and intonations transfer meaning, all sessions were recorded with a video camera and mobile phone for analysis. Since the discourse analysis explicitly grounded in semantics and linguistics, it offers a credible research methodology.

The result of the discussion analysis shows that if children are familiar with reading and participate in various book activities, they could express their perception of REBT elements in stories through enriched vocabulary and linguistic units (nouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs, discursive sentences, tone, facial and body movements, proverbs, etc.). It is expected that those who are working with children (i.e., librarians, psychologists, parents, etc.) can base their bibliotherapy programs on the findings of this research and help children prevent or reduce psychological problems and change their irrational beliefs to rational ones.

The findings indicate that REBT theory could provide a suitable basis for bibliotherapy programs by which children have the opportunity to experience cognitive change through enjoyable approaches.

Information systems (such as databases and library software) are associated with various beneficiaries. In other words, It should be verified that how beneficiaries in the field of information systems think and what values experienced in the use of this systems. It is important to exploit the knowledge of all the beneficiaries (customers) of a product or service can help to promote the product and innovative service delivery, and finally, leads to value creation for all parties. This can be achieved by analyzing the knowledge (cognitive) structure of beneficiaries’ through exploring their ideas, preferences, beliefs and values during the use of a product or service. Purpose of this research is to investigate cognitive structure of triple groups of beneficiaries of Digital Libraries' (DLs) software in Iran (users, libraries and designers) based on Means-end Chain and sketch up their cognitive map using these systems. The cognitive structure can be identified through analyzing the mental models of beneficiaries and sketching their Hierarchical Value Map (or cognitive structure) which leads in value co-creation through identification of their needs and expectation of using these systems. This study is an applied research with cognitive approach using survey method and mixed method for data gathering. Research population included two groups of 1) DLs' software in Iran (Azarakhsh, Papyrus, and Sana) and 2) their beneficiaries (16 users, 21 libraries & 5 designers). Data gathering performed with interview (using Laddering Techniques) and directed content analysis (using MaxQDA software).Drawing Hierarchical Value Map (HVM) or cognitive map of beneficiaries figures three end values such as 1) "quick access to information resources", 2) "exploring (retrieving) needed information resources", and 3) "dissemination and sharing of information and knowledge" and mean value of "finding more information about information resources", functional consequences such as "avoid wasting of time in searching" and "promoting searching precision", and cognitive-sociological consequences such as "feeling comfort in using system" and "disambiguation of information needs". Designers of DLs' software should consider important values, consequences and attributes for their designing to meet essential needs and fundamental expectations from these systems

Humans do different behaviors to meet their needs constantly. These behaviors are different and each of them constitute subject of disciplines such as psychology, sociology, management, art, knowledge and information science, and some specialized sub disciplines of them. Investigating information behaviors and knowledge behaviors are favorite subjects in knowledge and information science. These behaviors show the main elements of user activity in interact with information and knowledge as well as retrieval systems. This paper with Considering the importance of these concepts, tries to review of literature through analytical and discussed concepts such as data, information, knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence. Afterwards express the prerequisites for the formation of knowledge seeking behavior and be provided the definition of knowledge seeking behavior and differentiation with information seeking behavior. The surveys showed the concept of knowledge seeking behavior, an important concept and are very wide, in order that we can expect the new area opens in literature and research in various fields especially in knowledge and information science. It seems that the efforts in developing and regulates a framework is essential in this field.

Nowadays, analyzing user behavior on search engines is highly regarded. Lots of options in retrieved results in the search engines, makes users to choose. Once the selection is extremely complex, people will think the simplest decision rule, they decided that not to decide and select. Psychologists know this situation the consequence of "choice overload". Bons (2008) believes that choice overload is the ability of process the information by the people to select. In simpler terms, dealing with a lot of information, lead to the negative results. This study has been done with the goal to identify modulators of Google search engine. The present study is a survey and an applied research. Using stratified random non-relativistic sampling, 72 MS and PhD students of faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences and Engineering of Ferdowsi University were selected as a sample. The tools used for collecting data were standard questionnaire (maximizing scale by Schwartz et al 2002) and HCI browser. The results showed that regardless of the personality types (maximizer and satisfier) and only by regarding of the type of search, you cannot say a definitive statement about choice overload theory. Considering two variables of personality and search type, a significant difference between satisfaction of two types personality from the number of retrieved results were observed.This means that maximizers are, in both special and general search, more satisfied from small results than large results (choice overload). But satisfiers, in special search, the number of retrieved results had no effect on the satisfaction of them (the non-occurrence of choice overload). Also in satisfiers, in general search results, there was a significant difference between satisfaction from the small and large retrieved results. However, according to their personality and serendipity theory, with increasing the retrieved results, not only choice overload did not occur, but satisfaction of them was more. Hence we can the importance of two factors: the type of search and personality as modulators of choice overload. In general both personality types were satisfied with the speed of retrieve of results in Google search engine.