Internet-based knowledge acquisition: Task complexity and performance

► In high-complexity tasks, less restrictive pull systems (i.e., web directories and Google search) increased quality and lowered perceived information overload over more restrictive push systems (i.e., listservs). ► In low-complexity tasks less restrictive pull systems lowered perceived information overload. ► In low-complexity tasks, predefined guidance (i.e., listservs and web directories) performed better and faster than those using participative guidance (i.e., Google search). ► In high-complexity tasks, participative guidance provided lower perceived information overload and higher task quality than predefined guidance.