Hypertext navigation, goal (dis)orientation, and the role of mental models : an empirical investigation

Ipser, Jonathan

Hypertext navigation, goal (dis)orientation, and the role of mental models : an empirical investigation

Master Thesis

2002

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Psychology

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

An exploratory investigation into the capabilities of hypertext as an educational medium was conducted. To this purpose, a model was advanced in an attempt to provide a theoretical foundation for the explication of hypertext navigation and disorientation in terms of relevant user characteristics. 75 2nd year psychology students from the University of Cape Town participated in a study in order to investigate the claim that the motivational theory of goal orientation has the greatest utility in accounting for the exploitation of links within a hypertext, a necessary precondition for the development of mental models which incorporate both the conceptual and structural elements required for effective learning from, and the reduction of disorientation within, this medium. The results obtained, although compromised, provide some support for this argument. The paper concludes with a discussion of the methodological limitations of the study, as well as possible directions for future research.

Description

Bibliography: leaves 134-148.

Keywords

Research Psychology

Reference:

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Masters

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