This study sought to investigate the effects of cognitive style (field-dependence/field-independence) and online database search experience (novice/experienced searchers) on users' search performance on two task types (factual and topical search tasks) carried out on a large university Web site. Search performance, the dependent variable, was measured both by the time spent and by the number of nodes visited for the completion of a task. Search performance was also gauged by the users' choice of navigational tools as they carried out the search tasks required. In an exploratory attempt to find the user factors that could be used to predict an efficient search performance, two user factors (cognitive style and online experience) were tested along with other demographic variables. Undergraduate students (n = 48) participated in this study. Based on their cognitive style (measured by Group Embedded Figures Test) and their online database search experience, the participants were divided into four groups. Each participant was asked to search for information on the Web in order to complete two search tasks (factual and topical searches). All online search navigation decisions and nodes visited were recorded in real time using a software program called ScreenCam. The data were coded from these screen transaction ...