Ranking versus Categorization: The Effects of Sorting the Results for Web Search Engine Multiterm Queries

Many Web search engine users have difficulty writing search queries and finding a useful query result. One element of ineffective Web searches is that many search engine queries are ambiguous or their results do not include the desired information in their first page. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of sorting the results of multiterm queries. The sorting methods included Categorizing and Ranking. The dependent variables consisted of user performance and preference measures. Statistical analyses revealed that when the correct result was found on page 1 of the results, the Ranking sorting method was associated with faster trial times, fewer false alarms, higher trial ratings, and the preferred sorting method. However, when the correct result was found on subsequent pages, the Category sorting method was associated with better performance and increased preference.