کتابداری و اطلاعرسانی (Jan 2020)
The Effect of the Information Processing Styles on the Students’ Information Seeking Behaviour with the Mediating Role of Information Anxiety and Utility
Abstract
Purpose: People utilize a variety of information resources by using multiple strategies to get notified, remain current and track the changes of their expert fields. This requires human interaction with information for seeking information, that helps the individual to search, find, retrieve and use it effectively. Information-seeking behavior can be defined as the response on individual to information needs. The results of previous studies show that information-seeking behavior is influenced by various factors such as information processing styles, anxiety and information utility. So, This study aimed to investigates the effect of information processing style on information seeking, and its moderation by information anxiety and utility. Methodology: The applied research was carried out using a survey-descriptive method. The statistical population of the study consisted of 9,500 students of Islamic Azad University of Ahwaz, which was selected using the Cochran formula (370 people) in a relative sampling method. A researcher-made questionnaire was used in five levels of Likert spectrum to collect data. The validity of the tool was determined by its formal and content method and its reliability was determined using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient at the desired level (a = 0.91). Data analysis was analysed using SPSS and Amos software for structural model test. Findings: The findings of the research showed that between the the Analytical information processing style (R = 519 & Sig. = 0.51) and intutitive information processing style (Sig = 0/39 = 0/001 = r = 0/001) with information seeking behaviour were significance and positive relation. Meanwhile, the two variables of perceived utility of information (1%) and anxiety (2%) affect the relationship between information processing styles and information seeking behavior; and the effect of anxiety is greater than the perceived usefulness of information. Conclusion: Information processing styles, especially the analytical information processing style by perceived utility and anxiety predictes the informational behavior. Meanwhile, the effect of information anxiety and utility as a mediator variable are positive and significant. Accordingly, it can be argued that individuals with an appropriate level of anxiety and perceived utility of information have a powerful stimulus in the processing of information and information-seeking. Although it was anticipated that information anxiety as a mediator variable had a negative effect, but it’s effect was positive that may be on the controllable level of student anxiety. Therefore, it is suggested that the skills related to the information processing styles be taught to students so that they can demonstrate appropriate information-seeking behavior during their educational and research activities.
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