An analysis of image retrieval behavior for metadata type image database

A large number of digital images are stored on the Internet. From an educational perspective the fact that a vast number of images on a number of topics are readily available and are in some cases free is a very helpful thing. With the rapidly expanding nature of the net however, it is becoming increasingly difficult to search out and retrieve relevant images. The aim of this study was to analyze users´ behavior during image retrieval exercises. Results revealed that users tend to follow a set search strategy: firstly they input one or two keyword search terms one after another and view the images generated by their initial search and after they navigate their way around the web by using the ´back to home´ or ´previous page´ buttons. These results are consistent with existing Web research. Many of the actions recorded revealed that subjects´ behavior differed depending on if the task set was presented as a closed or open task. In contrast no differences were found for the time subjects took to perform a single action or their use of the AND operator.