Information Search Process Model Research Articles

Information search process model based on costs and benefits: a behavioural economics perspective

PurposeThis study constructed an information search process model based on costs and benefits to reflect different information search processes under different decisions from a behavioural economics perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a deductive approach to conceptualise the costs, benefits, and uncertainties of the information search process. Subsequently, we constructed an information search process model based on the costs and benefits using graphical reasoning, loss aversion theory, bounded rationality theory, the satisficing theory of behavioural economics, and the uncertainty changes of information search process.FindingsThe model revealed four types of user behaviours in the information search process: (1) avoiding search at the initiation of the search process; (2) exiting in the middle of a search; (3) stopping at the point of satisficing; and (4) continuing the search until experiencing physical discomfort.Originality/valueThe model constructed in this study treats the information search as a process based on costs and benefits with uncertainty. This model integrates information search avoidance and stopping into an information search process model. The model identifies users’ bounded rationality by evaluating ideal and real situations. Moreover, the model explains relative and absolute information overloads and the area beyond the user’s bounded rationality. These findings could help improve users’ information literacy and optimise information systems.

How Online Consumers Use Multiple Advice Sources: An Empirical Exploration Using Verbal Protocol Analysis

With more online stores providing recommendations and reviews simultaneously from multiple advice sources—such as recommendation agents, other consumers, and experts—consumers are facing the challenge of deciding how to use wide-ranging and possibly conflicting sets of information to improve their product selection. Although previous studies have investigated the classical decision-making strategies used in preferential choice problems, most of these are not directly applicable to multiple advice source environments. In addition, since most of these studies have mainly focused on a variance model rather than a process model, they cannot fully explain how decision makers reach their product selection decisions. To shed light on the processes that online consumers use in making product selections when using multiple advice sources, this study: (1) explores if, how, and when consumers use consistency as a part of their decision-making strategies through developing process models; (2) identifies the consistency strategies utilized when using multiple advice sources; and (3) proposes a new consistency-based decision-making model. Through concurrent verbal protocol analysis, we identified four consistency strategies and found that the use of consistency strategies increases decision quality more than traditional nonconsistency strategies. Our findings are triangulated through the theoretical lens of cognitive dissonance theory, information search process model, and confirmation bias for rigorous validation. We also describe the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.

Information Behavior in RIS Professional Education: Survey and Project Synthesis

This article reports on the third phase of a project studying the integration of information behavior theories and concepts into professional education for reference and information service (RIS). It also provides a synthesis of the results of all studies in the project, including a syllabus study, an interview study, and the survey. Results of the project show that Kuhlthau's information search process model, along with several other key theories, models, and concepts, is perceived by instructors of introductory RIS courses in North America as important for RIS practice. Instructors feel that students are generally receptive to conceptual content in the course, although most teach a more practice-focused course or a course with a balance of conceptual and practical content. Still, 10−31% of introductory RIS courses do not include any information behavior content, suggesting that the relevance of theory to practice remains an ongoing debate.

Cognitive appraisals and information-seeking achievement emotions: a qualitative study of Swedish primary teacher students

PurposePrimary teachers play a vital role in fostering pupils' successful futures. Therefore, gaining knowledge of primary teacher students' learning processes, including the achievement of information-seeking skills, is crucial. The aim of this paper is to understand better the interplay between cognitive appraisals and emotions in the constructivist process of learning and achieving information-seeking skills.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Swedish primary teacher students. The analysis of qualitative data was deductive and theory-driven, guided by Kuhlthau's information search process model, Scherer's semantic space of emotions and Pekrun's control-value theory of achievement emotions.FindingsAnger/frustration, enjoyment and boredom were identified as activity emotions and anxiety, hopelessness and hope as prospective outcome emotions. The retrospective outcome emotions found were pride, joy, gratitude, surprise and relief. The appraisals eliciting the achievement emotions were the control appraisals uncertainty/certainty (activity and prospective outcome) and oneself/other (retrospective), and value appraisals negative/positive intrinsic motivation (activity) and failure/success (prospective and retrospective). The interplay between appraisals and emotions was complex and dynamic. The processes were individually unique, non-linear and iterative, and the appraisals did not always elicit emotions.Originality/valueThe study has theoretical and methodological implications for information behaviour research in its application of appraisal theories and the Geneva affect label coder. In addition, it has practical implications for academic librarians teaching information-seeking skills.

Short and sweet: How product quality uncertainty, review length and richness shape review helpfulness

ABSTRACT Because online reviews facilitate consumers’ purchase decisions, prior research investigates factors impacting review helpfulness. By integrating Kuhlthau’s information search process model and the heuristic-systematic model, we propose that a situational factor – product quality uncertainty – shapes consumers’ information search processes and suggests which reviews are most helpful. The literature suggests that review length and information richness positively impact review helpfulness. However, their joint effect conditional on product quality uncertainty is unknown. An experiment reveals that consumers are motivated to process individual reviews only when uncertainty is high (i.e. when consumers disagree on product quality). Analysis of over 37,000 online reviews indicates that, under high uncertainty, short reviews with rich information are most helpful. Consistent with the experiment results, neither factor drives helpfulness when uncertainty is low (i.e. when previous consumers exhibit a consensus on product quality). We present managerial implications for stimulating “short and sweet” reviews to increase review helpfulness.

Development and Optimization of Skills in Searching, Processing and Analysing Information from Various Sources in the future Doctors of Philosophy (PhD) training: from Educational Requirements to Scientific Improvement

The study is devoted to the issue of development and optimization of the skills of searching, processing and analysing information from various sources in the training of future doctors of philosophy (PhD). The purpose of the article is to justify the importance and relevance of the development and optimization of the skills of information searching, processing and analysing for doctors of philosophy (PhD) on specialty 015 Professional education (by specialization) at different stages of their academic and scientific career. Methods. To achieve the goal, the authors used the following methods: analysis, synthesis of regulative and scientific and pedagogical sources, generalization, observation, own scientific and pedagogical experience. The results. The relevance of the problem of developing and optimizing the skills of information searching from various sources, its processing and analysing in the training of future doctors of philosophy (PhD) has been proven. Modern research in the field of psychology and pedagogy was analysed (John Sweller – the study of cognitive load and thinking processes, on the ability of students to process and analyse information; Richard Mayer – the study of cognitive aspects of education, including methods of presenting information and its perception by students; Carol Kuhlthau – information processes in education and development of information literacy). Attention is focused on the possibilities of researching the analysed topic through the lens of the Carol Kuhlthau 's Information Search Process (ISP) Model. The essence of the notion of "informational and analytical competence of a post-graduate student (future doctor of philosophy (PhD))" has been determined. Conclusions. It is noted that the importance of informational and analytical competence is that it allows effective performance of research tasks: scientific intelligence (finding and selecting relevant information helps a post-graduate student to determine the scientific validity of its research and find out whether similar work has been carried out before); evaluation of information (the ability to critically evaluate information helps a post-graduate student to determine its reliability and relevance, which are key factors in making scientific decisions); analysis and interpretation (the ability to analyse and interpret information helps a post-graduate student to identify patterns and connections between various aspects of the research); scientific writing (scientific writing skills allow a post-graduate student to create scientific papers and a dissertation that meet the standards of the scientific community); effective communication of results (the ability to present the research and results clearly and convincingly helps a post-graduate student communicate with colleagues, receive funding and disseminate findings); ethical aspect (adherence to ethical standards in the use of information and in conducting research, academic culture and academic integrity is extremely important for scientific activity). The development of criteria, their content and the levels of formation of the informational and analytical competence of post-graduate students (future PhDs) are defined as the prospects for further research.

Beyond the search process: Exploring the affective stages in developing a research proposal

This research aims to investigate the affective stages developed in the Information Search Process (ISP) model developed by Carol Kuhlthau. The purpose of this study was to understand how feelings relate to the six stages of conducting a research proposal. Feelings experienced by information seekers include optimism, clarity, confidence and satisfaction or uncertainty, confusion, frustration, and disappointment. This work specifies how feelings affect the various phases of the research process. A qualitative methodology was used for this study. Twenty Information Studies (IS) graduate students from the Social Science department at Kuwait University, who had taken the Research Methods course, were selected for the study using purposive sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in order to collect feelings, perceptions, and views of the participants. Data collected were analysed using the narrative approach of the interviews. The results showed that the feelings of students changed during the different stages of Kuhlthau’s ISP model. The study indicates significant implications for research on information behaviour. It may help students and teachers to be aware of the affective role at different stages of their research proposal writing. It also assesses the possible contribution of intermediaries in helping students during the research writing process.

Information behaviour in high risk decision making: Study of international postgraduates

This article explores the role of information in high risk consumer decision making. Forty-two qualitative interviews were undertaken with international non-EU postgraduates when making the high risk decision to study in a UK Business School. Prospective international postgraduates moved iteratively through the stages in Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process model and learnt from the search process they had undertaken in a continuous cyclical manner. Word-of-mouth recommendations were the most influential sources of information gathered, and online sources were perceived to be credible regardless of their origins. The perception of risk impacted the rigour of the information search process. An iterative decision making cycle model is proposed with Kuhlthau’s model and word of mouth information at its core, which reflects the connectedness of individuals in this digital era. This study provides new insights by combining both marketing and LIS models and extends Kuhlthau’s research into a new context.

Information Seeking Behavior of Darul Qur'an Mulia Islamic Boarding School Students in Determining Higher Education Study Programs

This study aims to determine the level of information-seeking behavior of students in SMA Class XII Pesantren Terpadu Darul Qur'an Mulia in determining the study program in higher education. This type of research is descriptive research with a quantitative approach. The population of this study amounted to 204 students of Class XII Pesantren Terpadu Darul Qur'an Mulia, and the sample was taken by purposive sampling technique using the Slovin formula, so that a sample of 67 students was obtained. This research uses Kuhlthau's 1993 Information Search Process (ISP) model. Kuhlthau's theory has six stages including initiation, selection, exploration, formulation, collection, and presentation. The results showed that the information seeking behavior of students in determining the study program in higher education was classified as good. This can be seen from each stage of the Kuhlthau model, most students experience feelings, thoughts and actions that are in accordance with the Kuhlthau model, namely: Initiation gets a score of 3.27 (Very Good), Selection gets a score of 3.12 (Good), Exploration got a score of 2.92 (Good), Formulation got a score of 3.12 (Good), Collection got a score of 3.06 (Good) and Presentation got a score of 3.22 (Good). Santri experience all the stages that exist in the Kuhlthau model, especially at the Initiation stage, both in feelings, thoughts, and actions taken. Meanwhile, at the exploration stage, students tend not to feel the feeling to stop searching and the inconsistency of information as according to Kuhlthau's model. Based on the results of the study, the information seeking behavior of students in determining the study program in higher education as a whole is at a good level by obtaining a score of 3.11 (Good).

Information seeking behaviors of environmental journalists

Journalists and librarians share a common goal of providing information to the public, yet very little is known about how journalists’ information seeking behavior intersects with libraries. This case study seeks to understand the information seeking behavior of environmental journalists by investigating how their information needs intersect with the library and how their information seeking behavior changed over the course of their 9-month fellowship at the University of Colorado Boulder. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven environmental journalists at the beginning and end of their fellowship, while an open coding approach was used to identify themes. Generally, study participants conducted research by (1) identifying a story idea and conducting a preliminary search, (2) expanding their knowledge on the topic through scientific articles and interviews with experts, (3) conducting field research, and (4) completing research when information is redundant and they are confident with their knowledge. This process, and their growing feelings of confidence as they conducted research, were similar to, but not exactly, Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process model. Their interactions with the library were mostly limited to accessing books and articles. Overall, there was little change in the participants’ information seeking behavior, possibly due to limited time to learn new resources, reliance on preexisting research habits, professional competence, and lack of awareness of library services (e.g. librarians, workshops, and public academic library access). An understanding of journalists’ information seeking behavior can help librarians conduct instruction and outreach efforts that address journalists’ information needs.

Search behavior and decision confidence in equity crowdfunding: An information search process model perspective

ABSTRACT Equity crowdfunding allows entrepreneurs to raise much needed capital by selling shares of ownership to individuals while avoiding the challenges associated with an initial public offering. However, the process by which crowdfunders choose to engage in equity crowdfunding has received limited attention in the academic literature. This gap is noteworthy because funders can withdraw committed funds without penalty and without notice if their feelings about the funding decision change before the funding round closes. This dynamic places considerable importance on understanding funding decision confidence—that is, the belief an individual has made a wise funding decision. We draw on Kuhlthau’s information search process model to guide our theorizing of how funding decision confidence evolves as individuals search for and ultimately act upon information. To isolate key decision processes, we conduct a policy capturing study using a novel process tracing method and find that information search increases funder decision confidence only to a point, after which confidence then decreases. Overall, our findings challenge the belief that equity crowdfunders are like traditional equities investors who primarily care about earning a return on their investment and suggest that entrepreneurs engaged in crowdfunding should consider funder motivation and actively manage the structure of information presented to potential crowdfunders.

An empirically grounded sociotechnical perspective on designing virtual agents for older adults

ABSTRACT Autonomous, intelligent virtual agents (IVAs) are increasingly used commercially in essential information spaces such as healthcare. Existing IVA research has focused on microscale interaction patterns, for example those related to the usability of artificial intelligence systems. However, the sociotechnical patterns of users’ information practices and their relationship with the design and adoption of IVAs have been largely understudied, especially when it comes to older adults, who stand to benefit greatly from IVAs. Yet, exposing such patterns may more meaningfully relate sociotechnical considerations to users’ perceptions and attitudes toward the adoption of emerging technologies such as IVAs. We explore here the feasibility of information models in informing our understanding of how older adults may use and perceive an IVA. To do this, we relate the insights and findings from a case study of health information IVAs to the six stages of the information search process model (ISP). By doing this, we uncover sociotechnical issues pertinent to each stage of the ISP which help to better contextualize (older) users’ interaction with intelligent interfaces such as IVAs. Through this, we argue for the potential of information models to inform the design of interactive user interfaces from a sociotechnical approach.

Information-seeking behaviour of security studies students: A case study

Background: Undergraduate students need information for various reasons. However, it is not a straightforward activity in retrieving the relevant information for accomplishing various needs. This research is therefore justified as it aims at understanding information needs of undergraduate students who are drawn from security organisations. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to analyse information needs, sources and seeking patterns of security studies at Mzuzu University. Method: The study adopted a mixed methods approach by sending a questionnaire to 108 students and conducting a set of three focus group discussions. The study was informed by Kuhlthau’s information search process model. Results: The study finds that most students preferred Internet as a source of information. The study further finds that most students need information mainly for academic activities, accomplishing assignments, preparing examinations and completing research projects. Most students preferred the search engines as the starting point for an information search. Feelings proposed by Kuhlthau’s information search process model, which include anxiety, optimism, uncertainty and excitement, were experienced by most of the students as they started an information search for completing an assignment. However, there exist a number of challenges that affect students’ information behaviour, such as the lack of online information literacy skills, poor Internet access and shortage of computer laboratories. Conclusion: Unlike previous studies, this study establishes that the information needs of upgrading security studies students are focussed more on academic and work-related purposes. Information seeking and gathering is a key component of their work, as they gather information related to criminal activities and general intelligence. Upgrading undergraduate students have additional information needs that go beyond their academic needs. There is a need to design information interventions that would enhance their information search experience based on some of the pointers provided by Kuhlthau’s model. In view of the above, it can be argued that Internet is becoming a popular source of information in the 21st century; hence, there is a need to provide e-support that would reduce students’ negative feelings and enhance their Internet search process, thereby improving the overall quality of education.

Nuances of individual lecturers and its impact on students’ information behaviour and creativity

The paper reveals one of the themes that emerged from a research work at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. The research was on the information behavior of Nigerian undergraduates in the world of Web 2.0, using a specialized university as a case study. Of the themes that emerged, of interest in this paper are the nuances of individual lecturers and its impact on students‟ information behavior and creativity. The research work employed mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative research. However, the aspect of data gathering that revealed the essence of this article are dialogue journaling on WhatsApp Messenger with 77 third year students of petroleum engineering department on group assignments and large group discussions with 15 of the 77 students. Kuhlthau‟s Information Search Process (ISP) Model was employed as a lens in studying the student‟s information behavior in the process of writing assignment while Blooms Taxonomy was used to rank the assignment as either Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS) or Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). The assignment was ranked LOTS because students were requested to read and summarize certain chapters of a textbook. The time allotted for the group assignment was about a week which did not give room for students to collaborate effectively, thereby undermining the pedagogy of group assignment. Due to the poor conduct of the assignment, students did not seem to conform to the Kuhthau‟s ISP model. Also, students expressed how some lecturers expect them to regurgitate what they have been thought without giving room for individual language, expression, and creativity, hence inhibiting their ISP process. Rather than employing Kuhlthau‟s ISP model to explore students information seeking process, the research recommends Theory of Change by Quality Education in Developing Countries (QEDC) (2008) and the theory and practice of critical education by Shor (2012). Keywords : Nuances of lecturers, Information behavior, creativity, Kuhlthau‟s ISP model, Theory of Change

Applying the information search process model to analyze aspects in the design of serious games for children with hearing impairment

Deaf children traditionally face greater challenges and encounter difficulties particular to their abilities. The Information Search Process model (ISP) is oriented in the context of the present work as a process of searching for information about children with a hearing impairment in the area of literacy, applying the different stages of the ISP model to identify different aspects of hearing impairment. A case study was carried out at the USAER school in Aguascalientes, Mexico, a school that enables children with hearing impairments to be included in regular secondary schooling. The children here are aged 12–15 years and have literacy problems. Eight children from 7 to 11 years of age were also evaluated in the Institute for Deaf and Blind Children in Cali, Colombia. The ISP model can be deemed to have been useful for identifying the relevant needs to support both teachers and deaf children. A need was identified, to construct a game that integrates the activities undertaken following the FitzGerald keys and in turn allow them to assess learning through different activities that help increase the semantic repertoire.

Making Sense of the Information Seeking Process of Undergraduates in a Specialised University: Revelations from Dialogue Journaling on WhatsApp Messenger

Aim/Purpose: The research work investigated the information seeking process of undergraduates in a specialised university in Nigeria, in the course of a group assignment. Background: Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP) model is used as lens to reveal how students interact with information in the affective, cognitive and physical realms. Methodology: Qualitative research methods were employed. The entire seventy-seven third year students in the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas and their course lecturer were the participants. Group assignment question was analysed using Bloom’s Taxonomy while the information seeking process of the students was garnered through dialogue journaling on WhatsApp Messenger. Contribution: The research explicates how students’ information seeking behaviour can be captured beyond the four walls of a classroom by using a Web 2.0 tool such as WhatsApp Messenger. Findings: The apparent level of uncertainty, optimism, and confusion/doubt common in the initiation, selection, and exploration phases of the ISP model and low confidence levels were not markedly evident in the students. Consequently, Kuhlthau’s ISP model could not be applied in its entirety to the study’s particular context of teaching and learning due to the nature of the assignment. Recommendations for Practitioners: The study recommends that the Academic Planning Unit (APU) should set a benchmark for all faculties and, by extension, the departments in terms of the type/scope and number of assignments per semester, including learning outcomes. Recommendation for Researchers: Where elements of a guided approach to learning are missing, Kuhlthau’s ISP may not be employed. Therefore, alternative theory, such as Theory of Change could explain the poor quality of education and the type of intervention that could enhance students’ learning. Impact on Society: The ability to use emerging technologies is a form of literacy that is required by the 21st century work place. Hence, the study demonstrates students’ adaptation to emerging technology. Future Research: The study is limited to only one case site. It would be more helpful to the Nigerian society to have this study extended to other universities for the purpose of generalisation and appropriate intervention.

A reflection on kuhlthau's model of information search process from the perspective of library anxiety

Anxiety is common feeling that may occur at any uptight situation. The situation may get worst owing to physical atmosphere, social behaviour in addition to cognitive aspect. One such phenomenon is library anxiety. Since the Melon’s grounded theory on library anxiety, the term clutched the attention of library professionals and IL instructors. Library anxiety weakens self-belief. The person begins to think the task at hand to be tougher than it is, for students resulting in failure of academic venture. One colossal model that considered hideous sways of library anxiety though information process is that of Kuhlthau. The article pitches the light on the diverse stepladder of Kuhlthau’s information search process in view of library anxiety. The upshot of the discussion has been put in the form of areas which library professionals need to concentrate on to eliminate this negative feeling and improve the critical thinking of users so as to increase library usage in term of satisfaction.

A Design-Based Research Project on Information Literacy Focusing on Process, Reflections and Self-Feedback

Many curriculums assume that the new generation of students are digital natives and information literate. However, studies show that this is not often the case. From these studies and our own experiences working with multidisciplinary students in the Health Sciences we found that students were not as information literate as required in the curriculum. Using Design Based Research as a method (following the four phases below), we developed a new information search process and a web-based tool with feedback opportunities from teachers and librarians in order to qualify the students competencies.Problem identification: Despite earlier initiatives from library and department, the students didn’t achieve higher levels of information literacy. Prototyping: Requirements and educational material were merged and tested while gathering feedback.Iterations: The prototype and feedback were evaluated and developed into a new information search process, which was tested and evaluated. Reflection and generalization: Initiative was taken to develope a web-based application visualizing the steps with the learning points: self-feedback, peer-feedback and counselor feedback.The result of the project is a new information search process model and a web-based learning environment called B!NKO 2.0. The evaluations have shown positive feedback on both the process and the web tool. The project has opened up new possibilities that go beyond the Health multidisciplinary students. A new project concerning the Humanities and Social Sciences is incipient. In this project new functionalities are also expected. B!NKO 2.0 has to a great extent shown its worth to help Health multidisciplinary students to get a deeper understanding of information literacy, and how to develop and change searches to get better results. B!NKO 2.0 has also given a positive "side effect” on the librarians work. Time spend on the "Book a Librarian” service have decreased for the librarians using B!NKO 2.0.

Undergraduate information behaviors in thesis writing: A study using the Information Search Process model

The study investigates whether information-seeking behavior models and theories obtained in previous research are applicable to more complex tasks. It also aims to gather students’ opinions on the importance and helpfulness of various traditional and online information sources in their thesis-writing process. This study would help to develop a better understanding of the roles and impacts of these information sources in the current networked academic infrastructure. Inspired by the Information Search Process model, we divided the process into six stages and conducted three separate surveys that covered students’ feelings, thoughts and actions, as well as other important factors that might affect their behaviors in each of the stages. Our study shows that both the feelings and thoughts of students changed during the different stages of the process, and that they were generally consistent with the descriptions in the Information Search Process model. The study indicates that it is beneficial to use the Information Search Process model as the starting point for studying the student thesis-writing processes. As the outcome of the study, we ultimately proposed a multi-stage model for Chinese undergraduate students’ thesis-writing process.

A tale of two resources: Foreign Law Guide v. Globalex

Purpose This article aims to examine two important foreign legal research resources, Foreign Law Guide and Globalex, under the Ellis’s information search process model. Design/methodology/approach This article proceeds in three sections. Part I establishes the evaluation framework based on Ellis’s information search process model, incorporating special demands arising out of foreign legal research. Part II evaluates the two reference resources under the framework established in Part I. Part III summarizes the major features and accessibility of both the databases. Findings Generally speaking, both Foreign Law Guide and Globalex are great reference resources for researching a foreign jurisdiction through the lens of Ellis’s model of information-seeking process and ultimately solve legal research problems. One shortcoming to highlight is that neither resource tends to provide adequate current awareness tools for researchers. Current awareness tools are important for the monitoring process under the Ellis’s model, and therefore the lack of adequate current awareness tools should be something to keep in mind while utilizing either or both resources. Originality/value Ellis’s model is a well-established model for the information-seeking process. Both Foreign Law Guide and Globalex are popular foreign legal research resources. Therefore, the originality and major value of this article is that it is the first article that examines both foreign legal research resource under the Ellis’s model.