Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student in Knowledge and Information Science ، Science and Research Branch، Islamic Azad University،Tehran، Iran

2 (Corresponding Author) professor،Department of Knowledge and Information Science، Science and Research Branch، Islamic Azad University، Tehran، Iran

3 Assistant Professor of Knowledge and Information Science، Islamic Azad University، Hamadan، Iran

4 Assistant Professor of Knowledge and Information Science، Science and Research Branch، Islamic Azad University، Tehran، Iran

Abstract

Aim: The Aim of this study is to analyze the behavior of search and retrieve information by multilingual users in the web environment. Other research objectives are as follows. Methodology: This study is applied in terms of purpose and in terms of method it is a combination study. In the present study, the quantitative part of the research is semi-empirical and in the qualitative part, qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the interviews. In the present study, the researcher first performed three tasks and asked users to search for information in the WorldWideScience search engine and to provide search results. All user behaviors were recorded and evaluated using the software during testing. The study population consisted of Ph.D. students in six fields of sciences (humanities, basic sciences, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, engineering, and arts). In this study, 35 Ph.D. students in six sciences using the web were searched as a sample. The study sample was then divided into two groups: a bilingual user group that is fluent in English and Farsi and the second group of multilingual users fluent in three or more languages. Finally, an analysis was performed on the search and retrieval behavior of users. Then a comparison was made between the information behavior of bilingual users and multilingual users. Results: Qualitative analysis of the nature of information retrieval behavior by multilingual individuals consists of 5 dimensions (defining tasks, formulating retrieval strategies, using translation tools, facing retrieval challenges, and managing (retrieving) retrieval challenges) as well as components.

Keywords