INFORMATION RESEARCH
Song Xiaoxuan, Chen Dan, Jia Shaoqi, Wei Yufan, Ren Hanxiao
[Purpose/Significance] Information processing is usually considered as the indispensable phase in learning-related search process, directly influencing search task completion and learning goal achievement efficiently. This study focuses on the types, motivations, occurrence characteristics, and search performance of information processing behavior during the learning-related search process. [Method/Process] This study collected various information processing behavior data exhibited by users while searching for learning-related tasks, and extracted and analyzed the characteristic variables of information processing behaviors using thematic analysis and log analysis methods. Finally, the study also examined the effects of various information processing behavior characteristics on search performance. [Result/Conclusion] This study identifies seven types of information processing behaviors, including information backtracking, information storing, information extracting, information transforming, format setting, structuring and emphasizing, as well as four types of motivations driving processing behaviors: task feature perception, individual feature perception, behavior regulation and outcome optimization. The study also analyzes the correspondence between information processing motivations and their behaviors. At the same time, the study finds that the information extracting behavior occurs most frequently and earliest, and has a significant positive effect on search performance. In addition, the occurrence of behaviors such as information backtracking, structuring, information transforming, and format setting also improves search performance to varying degrees. The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of users’ information processing behavior characteristics and provide insights for expanding and improving the functionality of search systems that support information processing activities.