This article reports on exploratory research that examined the effectiveness of guidance tools to help users access information in a hypermedia program. Also, the study examined the influence of affective and motivational dispositions and cognitive strategies on users' search strategies. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that students were able to effectively use the Guide and the Browse modes to locate information that pertained to focus questions assigned them. The Index was not an effective means of locating information. The findings also suggested that students need adequate learning and study skills preparation to be successful navigators in hypermedia systems.
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