Psychophysiological and psychological characteristics of adolescents associated with effective online search for educational information

Abstract

Background. Searching Internet for educational information has become a routine task for schoolchildren, yet there is still a lack of data on the psychological and psychophysiological parameters determining the effectiveness of educational online search. 

Objective. The purpose of the study was to identify the psychophysiological and psychological characteristics of adolescents that influence the effectiveness of searching Internet for information necessary to complete a learning task. 

Methods. During the experiment, participants completed several interrelated educational tasks on searching for information on the Internet. The number of assimilated units of information served as an indicator of the online search effectiveness. The analysis of participants’ psychophysiological and psychological characteristics was carried out using oculography method, computer-assisted assessment of cognitive control and working memory, as well as several tests for assessment of cognitive styles and information processing. The data obtained were processed using factorial and multiple regression analysis. 

Sample. The study involved 44 adolescents (40.9% of girls, mean age 13.7±1.9 years). 

Results. The result of searching for educational information on the Internet is higher among schoolchildren who demonstrate lower self-assessment of computer use skills as well as higher level of reflexivity and more frequent returns to the task instruction. 

High school students read the instructions on the Internet faster and rarely use a subject-practical style of information coding. The ability to conceptualize determines a higher speed of reading the task instructions. Compared to boys, girls rate their Internet search results higher and find the process less difficult. 

Conclusion. The study results can be used to design the programs for teaching schoolchildren effective online search strategies.

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