Thesis Title
Where do queries come from? An eyetracker study of how users are influenced to search

Research Description

While research has proven that query variations exist, not much work has investigated why these variations occur. Our aim is to gain a better understanding of the query formulation process and gain insight into the origins of these variations.

By understanding how users formulate their queries, we can identify the factors contributing to query variations. This can assist the research community in designing search engines or information retrieval systems that accommodate user diversity. Ensuring that users with varying levels of expertise can effectively retrieve information is essential for promoting equity in search and retrieval.

Building on this, we also consider the evolving nature of information-seeking behavior in the era of Generative AI (GenAI), raising the question of whether we are witnessing a generational shift in how people search for information. To explore this, we propose a methodology for the first phase of our research, focusing on user interfaces for information access with Large Language Models (LLMs). The goal is to understand how users interact with search engine interfaces that integrate GenAI content.

Through lab studies and other forms of user research, we aim to contribute to the development of search engines as truly reliable assistants that take users into consideration. 

Supervisors
Prof Mark Sanderson, RMIT University
Dr Dana McKay, RMIT University
Dr Johanne Trippas, RMIT University
Paul Thomas, Microsoft Research