Has there been any research on the relative usability of having multiple boxes for a search?
I do not mean having three different types of search each with their own search box. Rather having the same search, with two boxes.
e.g. a quick sketch of my thinking. Assuming a website for finding a sports club:
The first one has the definite advantage of allowing a more refined search; you don't care about the existence of basketball clubs anywhere in the country, you want one specifically close to you (we have to hope this search will be smart enough to search by proximity rather than exact location matches).
The second carries the advantage of simplicity. Maybe you do just want to do sport in your town and aren't interested in what it is.
Any research relevant to this?