Studying the Relationship between Multilingual Skills and Information Behavior of Postgraduate Students of Razi University

Abstract

The aim of this study is to survey the relationship between multilingual skills and information behavior of postgraduate students of Razi University. The research is an applied one that is conducted in a descriptive-analytical and survey method. The statistical population was all postgraduate students of Razi University who were studying in the second semester of the 2016-2017 academic year. Two-stage stratified sampling is used. The sample size was estimated by 365 Cochran's formula. The required data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. Data analysis was done by SPSS software Version 23. Findings showed no significant relationship between multilingual skills and information behavior in general. Four variables including age, gender, level of education, and employment were studied. Only level of education and employment had significant and positive relationship on students' information behavior. But there was no significant relationship between familiarity with different languages and information behavior of postgraduate students of Razi University. By examining the effect of language on students' information behavior, it is possible to predict their information behavior, provide better information resources that they need, and avoid spending money on unused resources. Students do not seem to be aware of the important power of language in their behavior, so it is necessary for students and universities to pay more attention to this issue. One of the solutions is to hold training classes and strengthen language skills, which can be held by universities and students themselves to take these courses outside the university.

Keywords

• multilanguage skills
• information behavior
• postegraduate students
• razi university