Abstract:

In this exploratory research study the perceptions of users of the PsycINFO information system were examined, assessing a Personality trait (Neuroticism) of the users mediated by a Usability feature (Affect) in association with using the system again. The research was conducted from the User Focus perspective, where the perception of the users is considered the crucial factor in determining the levels of Usability of the information system. It was assessed through the quasi-experiment that the higher levels of Neuroticism often might predict lower levels of positive Affect, and lower levels of positive Affect often might predict lower levels of Intended Use, and that the association between Neuroticism and use of the system might be mediated by Affect. Knowing this paradigm gives us some opportunities in the field of Human-Computer Interaction, especially in its subfield of Usability testing, where if we consider a new system from the User-Focus perspective we will know the role of Neuroticism as a major factor in the testing of an information system. The future research building on the assessment of the Neuroticism (one of the Big Five of the personality traits) and Affect (one of the big five of the usability) should go beyond just one trait and one usability factor and assess the influence and interaction of the remaining eight: Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Openness; Efficiency, Adaptability, Helpfulness, and Control, which will be the research objective for the future research based on the present exploratory study. The results and conclusions of the present research can be used for designing similar to PsycInfo information systems, and for redesigning already existing ones.

Keywords:

Human-computer interaction, usability, user perception, user focus, intended use, affect, neuroticism, psycinfo.