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A Study on the Adoption of a Web Page Content Assessment Tool: SPAT

La Rue, Elizabeth Marie (2007) A Study on the Adoption of a Web Page Content Assessment Tool: SPAT. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

As more users rely on web-based health information there is a growing need to identify reliable information sources. Currently there are a few evaluation approaches for web-based information but they require paper-based materials for note taking or require utilization on a subjective ranking system. In each case, these approaches require an extended period of time to assess the web page and do not provide a validated measure of accuracy or quality. The broad aim of this study was to measure the validity and the adoption, of the new web page assessment tool, SPAT. The mnemonic, SPAT, stands for Site, Publisher, Audience, and Text. As a web page assessment tool, SPAT cues individuals to analyze four components of a web page, each showing a sign of reliability. Once the individual inspects the web page with the SPAT criteria, they then make an educated assessment on the quality of the information presented. A cohort of certified diabetes educators were introduced to SPAT and tested its application. Results revealed that SPAT showed characteristics of validity and routine use. Within the convenience sample of certified diabetes educators there was 100% performance in evaluating a web page for an author and date. Analyzing the web page to perceive the intended web page audience also had 100% compliance while looking at the text of the web page occurred 90% of the time. This investigation was accomplished through the completion of a formal research process, each described within the body of this dissertation. The SPAT instrument would not only be of value for health care professionals but for general information consumers as well.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
La Rue, Elizabeth Marieeml17@pitt.eduEML17
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairDetlefsen, Ellenellen@mail.sis.pitt.eduELLEN
Committee MemberLewis, Deborahdeb.lewis@sru.edu
Committee MemberKimmel, Margaret Mary
Committee MemberKoshman, Sherryskoshman@sis.pitt.edu
Date: 30 January 2007
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 17 November 2006
Approval Date: 30 January 2007
Submission Date: 2 January 2007
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Information Sciences > Library and Information Science
Degree: PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: diabetes Educators; Library Science; Web Page Evaluation
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-01022007-135733/, etd-01022007-135733
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 19:30
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:35
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/6246

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