TODAY’S WARMUP
Your sibling just got a spur of the moment tattoo and now regrets it.
What are the current available methods for tattoo removal, and
how effective are they? Which method do you think is best? Why?
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Stage 1: Initiation
During the first stage, initiation, the information seeker recognizes the need for new information to complete an
assignment. As they think more about the topic, they may discuss the topic with others and brainstorm the topic
further. This stage of the information seeking process is filled with feelings of apprehension and uncertainty.
Stage 2: Selection
In the second stage, selection, the individual bocha begins to decide what topic will be investigated and how to
proceed. Some information retrieval may occur at this point. The uncertainty associated with the first stage often
fades with the selection of a topic, and is replaced with a sense of optimism.
Stage 3: Exploration
In the third stage, exploration, information on the topic is gathered and a new personal knowledge is created.
Students endeavor to locate new information and situate it within their previous understanding of the topic. In this
stage, feelings of anxiety may return if the information seeker finds inconsistent or incompatible information.
Stage 4: Formulation
During the fourth stage, formulation, the information seeker starts to evaluate the information that has been gathered.
At this point, a focused perspective begins to form and there is not as much confusion and uncertainty as in earlier
stages. Formulation is considered to be the most important stage of the process. The information seeker will here
formulate a personalized construction of the topic from the general information gathered in the exploration phase.
Stage 5: Collection.
During the fifth stage, collection, the information seeker knows what is needed to support the focus. Now presented
with a clearly focused, personalized topic, the information seeker will experience greater interest, increased
confidence, and more successful searching.
Stage 6: Search closure.
In the sixth and final stage, search closure, the individual has completed the information search. Now the information
seeker will summarize and report on the information that was found through the process. The information seeker will
experience a sense of relief and, depending on the fruits of their search, either satisfaction or disappointment
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Model of the Information Search Process
Tasks
Initiation
Selection Exploration Formulation Collection Presentation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------→
Feelings uncertainly
(affective)
Thoughts
(cognitive)
optimism
confusion
frustration
doubt
clarity
sense of
satisfaction or
direction/ disappointment
confidence
vague-------------------------------------→focused
-----------------------------------------------→
increased interest
Actions seeking relevant information----------------------------→seeking pertinent information
(physical)
exploring
documenting
Carol Collier Kuhlthau Information Search Process Rutgers University
OTHER ISP STUDIES
Nicolaisen described four distinct types of information seeking
behaviors:
• Visceral need - is expressed as the actual information need before
it has been
expressed.
• Conscious need - is the need once it has been recognized by the
seeker.
• Formalized need - is the statement of the need
• Compromised need - is the query when related to the information
system.
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OTHER ISP STUDIES
JISC's study of the Google Generation detailed different
characteristics of online information seeking behavior;
• Horizontal information seeking is the method sometimes referred to
as "skimming". An information seeker who skims views a couple of
pages, then subsequently follows other links without necessarily
returning to the initial sites.
• Navigators, as might be expected, spend their time finding their
way around. Wilson found that users of e-book or e-journal sites
were most likely spend, on average, a mere four to eight minutes
viewing said sites.
• Squirreling behavior relates to users who download lots of
documents but might not necessarily end up reading them.
• Checking information seekers assess the host in order to ascertain
trustworthiness.
• The bracket of users named diverse information seekers are users
whose behavior differs from the above sectors.
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Group Exercise
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MEET IN YOUR GROUPS
1. Introduce yourself – Name, major, year in school
2. Create list of contact information: email addresses and any other
contact information your group deems important
3. What do you like about group work?
- Give 3 reasons you like group work
4. What do you dislike about group work?
- Give 3 reasons you dislike it (avoid storytelling!)
5. What are some group rules to adopt?
- Work via email or Dropbox or Google docs
- Who will be the group leader? Who will be second leader if first leader is
unavailable?
- Use of technology during group meetings
- How will absences be addressed?
- How will the group develop consensus decisions? How will you deal with
strong objections?
6. Based on the project components, discuss:
- Your strengths for contributing – are you strong in analysis? Literature
searching? Creating presentations? Giving presentations?
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