Search

This paper investigates the interaction effects between the search strategy of software agents and consumers' product class knowledge in the context of consumers seeking to purchase cars on the Internet. The research design used was a 2 × 4, between-groups, completely randomized, two-factor, factorial design. The independent variables that were manipulated were product class knowledge (HIGH KNOWLEDGE, LOW KNOWLEDGE) and agent search strategy [elimination by aspects (EBA STRATEGY), weighted average method (WAD STRATEGY), profile building (PROFILE STRATEGY), simple hypertext (HY- PERTEXT STRATEGY)]. The dependent variables that were measured were satisfaction with the decision process (SATISFACTION), confidence in the decision (CONFIDENCE), trust in the agent's recommendations (TRUST), propensity to purchase (PURCHASE), perceived cost savings (SAVINGS), and cognitive decision effort (EFFORT). Significant differences were found in the affective reactions of the subjects toward the agent/application depending on the level of product class knowledge possessed by the subjects. Subjects with high product class knowledge had more positive affective reactions toward agents/applications that used the WAD and EBA strategies as compared to the PROFILE strategy. Subjects with low product class knowledge had more positive affective reactions to agents/applications that used the PROFILE strategy as compared to the EBA and WAD strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adaptive noncontact gesture-based system for augmentative communication is described. The system detects movement of any anatomical site through the analysis of reflected speckle. This movement is converted into two-dimensional (2-D) cursor coordinates and an adaptive software interface provides click actions and decision strategies. The system requires no accessory to be placed on the user. The system was developed in conjunction with user groups, who participated in the evaluation of the system. The usability results obtained illustrate the utility of the system. The system also compared favorably with other interface solutions [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]