How Do Lay Users Seek Information with ChatGPT: An In-Situ Interview Study.

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Title: How Do Lay Users Seek Information with ChatGPT: An In-Situ Interview Study.
Authors: Peng, Wei (AUTHOR), Meng, Jingbo (AUTHOR), Tang, Lu (AUTHOR), Zou, Wenxue (AUTHOR), Issaka, Barikisu (AUTHOR)
Source: International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. Jul2026, Vol. 42 Issue 13, p10520-10536. 17p.
Subjects: ChatGPT, Information-seeking behavior, Searching behavior, Computer users, Frames (Social sciences), Language models, Data quality, Qualitative research
Abstract: Large language model tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly used for information seeking in place of traditional search engines. However, limited research is available regarding how lay users search for and evaluate information using ChatGPT. By using scenario-based interviews, this study explores how lay users employ ChatGPT for information seeking in-situ, addressing a significant research gap. Sixteen participants completed a set of search tasks and reflected how they sought and evaluated information. The findings demonstrate that although the information seeking process and techniques resembled those commonly used in other information seeking systems, many techniques were missing. While ChatGPT's responses may reduce cognitive barriers in the information seeking process, lay users face challenges in effectively framing prompts and have concerns over transparency of information source and information quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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  Label: Title
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  Data: How Do Lay Users Seek Information with ChatGPT: An In-Situ Interview Study.
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  Label: Authors
  Group: Au
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Peng%2C+Wei%22">Peng, Wei</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Meng%2C+Jingbo%22">Meng, Jingbo</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Tang%2C+Lu%22">Tang, Lu</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Zou%2C+Wenxue%22">Zou, Wenxue</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Issaka%2C+Barikisu%22">Issaka, Barikisu</searchLink> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Journal+of+Human-Computer+Interaction%22">International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction</searchLink>. Jul2026, Vol. 42 Issue 13, p10520-10536. 17p.
– Name: Subject
  Label: Subjects
  Group: Su
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22ChatGPT%22">ChatGPT</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Information-seeking+behavior%22">Information-seeking behavior</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Searching+behavior%22">Searching behavior</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+users%22">Computer users</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Frames+%28Social+sciences%29%22">Frames (Social sciences)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Language+models%22">Language models</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Data+quality%22">Data quality</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Qualitative+research%22">Qualitative research</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Large language model tools such as ChatGPT are increasingly used for information seeking in place of traditional search engines. However, limited research is available regarding how lay users search for and evaluate information using ChatGPT. By using scenario-based interviews, this study explores how lay users employ ChatGPT for information seeking in-situ, addressing a significant research gap. Sixteen participants completed a set of search tasks and reflected how they sought and evaluated information. The findings demonstrate that although the information seeking process and techniques resembled those commonly used in other information seeking systems, many techniques were missing. While ChatGPT's responses may reduce cognitive barriers in the information seeking process, lay users face challenges in effectively framing prompts and have concerns over transparency of information source and information quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1080/10447318.2025.2586086
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        Text: English
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        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Information-seeking behavior
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      – SubjectFull: Searching behavior
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      – SubjectFull: Computer users
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              Text: Jul2026
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              Y: 2026
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