Unobtrusive user modeling for adaptive hypermedia

We propose a technique for user modeling in Adaptive Hypermedia (AH) that is unobtrusive at both the level of observable behavior and that of cognition. Unobtrusive user modeling is complementary to transparent user modeling. Unobtrusive user modeling induces user models appropriate for Educational AH (EAH) based on metaphors characterized by a shared locus of control over learning, such as small group learning. Transparent user modeling, on the other hand, induces user models appropriate for EAH based on metaphors characterized by an independent locus of control, such as social navigation. We extend an existing decomposition model of adaptation in AH to incorporate summative evaluation of unobtrusive user modeling. Summative evaluation examines the effects or outcomes of a system, while formative evaluation is used to improve a system under development. We also introduce a separate, two-stage model for formative evaluation of unobtrusive user modeling. We then present results from a field study for the first of the two developmental stages and describe the current field study of the second developmental stage. Finally, we compare unobtrusive and transparent user modeling, and explain the role of each.