Instructions
The goal of this assignment is to think critically about how signal detection theory applies to online searching and web design. You will analyze a website via searching for information based on a given goal and fictional scenario.
Step 1: Imagine that you are a student at the ASU Polytechnic Campus. Review the Polytechnic Campus website to orient yourself.
Step 2: Go to Yelp
Links to an external site. and conduct a search. Your goal is to find the best pizza restaurant near campus where you can make reservations for your study group of 10 students to meet next Saturday night. Use a web browser on a computer for this task, do not use a mobile app or mobile web browser. For yelp search this zip code: 85281 to view local pizza restaurant.
Step 3: As a group, review Step 1 and Step 2. Discuss your experience conducting the online search and how signal detection theory applies to your task in Step 2 and your interaction with the website.
Step 4: Write a short paper explaining how signal detection theory could be used to analyze your experience. Include the authors names at the top of your paper.
Conclude your analysis with three recommendations for how Yelp could improve the website design to help you achieve your goal. Your recommendations should be based on your understanding of the practical application of the concept of signal to noise ratio. Your analysis should be 500-1000 words (not including the names of the authors or any illustrations which you may wish to provide). More text is acceptable within reason, but no more than 2000 words.
Note: You are not expected to apply actual measurement, this is a conceptual exercise and design critique based on the theory, not a formal research experiment.
Step 5: Submit your paper as a PDF.