Meta-analysis of studies in information seeking behavior of students and faculty members in ISC and Proquest databases

Abstract

Objective: A review of studies in the information seeking behavior of students and faculty members in ISC and Proquest databases through meta-analysis study.Methodology: This paper was meta-analyzed by the method introduced by Cooper (1994). To collect data, first all studies on information seeking behavior in Iran and the world up to 1399 in two scientific databases ISC and ProQuest were searchedFindings: In the studies carried out in this field (which included in the meta-analysis), a total of 16 variables and factors affecting information seeking behavior were identified in subgroups of students and faculty members. The overall results of the meta-analysis showed that the effect size or the coefficient of influence of the components and factors affecting the information seeking behavior is 0.593, which is rated as high according to Cohen's interpretive system. In addition, the extent of the effect of variables and factors affecting information seeking behavior is different in term of the two variables of sample group (students, faculty members, medical staff and citizens) and the field of study (internal and external research), and both variables are moderating variables affecting information-seeking behavior.Conclusion: The information seeking behavior of individuals is influenced by factors, and the 16 factors identified in this study considerably affect how individuals seek information. Furthermore, in addition to the independent factors and variables of the variable, information seeking behavior is different depending on different groups of society and their local context and language.

Keywords

• students
• faculty members
• information behavior
• meta-analysis