Purpose

A substantial number of models have been developed over the years, with the purpose of describing the information seeking and searching of people in various user groups and contexts. Several models have been frequently applied in user studies, but are rarely included in research on participants with impairments. Models are purposeful when developing theories. Consequently, it might be valuable to apply models when studying this user group, as well. The purpose of this study was to explore whether existing models are applicable in describing the online information seeking and searching of users with impairments, with an overall aim to increase the use of models in studies involving impairments.

Design/methodology/approach

Six models were selected according to the following criteria: the model should address information seeking or searching, include the interaction between users and systems whilst incorporating assistive technology. Two user groups were selected from each of the categories: cognitive, sensory and motor impairments, namely dyslexia, autism, blindness, deafness, paralysation and Parkinson's. The models were then analysed based on known barriers reported for these cohorts.

Findings

All the selected models had potential to be applied in user studies involving impairments. While three of the models had the highest potential to be used in the current form, the other three models were applicable either through minor revisions or by combining models.

Originality/value

This study contributes with a new perspective on the use of models in information seeking and searching research on users with impairments.

中文翻译：

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对有缺陷的用户的信息搜索和搜索行为进行建模：现有模型是否适用？

目的

多年来，已经开发了许多模型，目的是描述在各种用户组和上下文中人们的信息搜索和搜索。几种模型已在用户研究中频繁应用，但很少包含在有障碍参与者的研究中。在开发理论时，模型是有目的的。因此，在研究此用户组时应用模型也可能很有价值。这项研究的目的是探讨现有模型是否适用于描述有损伤的用户的在线信息搜索和搜索，总体目的是在涉及损伤的研究中增加模型的使用。

设计/方法/方法

根据以下标准选择了六个模型：该模型应解决信息搜索或搜索问题，包括用户和系统之间的交互，同时结合辅助技术。从每个类别中选择两个用户组：认知，感觉和运动障碍，即阅读障碍，自闭症，失明，耳聋，瘫痪和帕金森氏症。然后根据针对这些队列报道的已知障碍对模型进行分析。

发现

所有选定的模型都有可能应用于涉及损伤的用户研究中。虽然其中三个模型具有当前形式使用的最大潜力，但其他三个模型可以通过较小的修订或组合模型来应用。

创意/价值

这项研究为模型在信息搜索和残障用户研究中的使用提供了新的视角。