, INS3703
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2
2026
DUE 21 AUGUST 2026
Question 1: Scenario A
1. Concept of Information Behaviour
Information behaviour is a broad concept that encompasses the totality of human interactions with
information, including how individuals identify needs, seek, gather, evaluate, and use information
across various contexts (Wilson, 2000). This concept covers both active and passive
information-seeking activities, as well as the cognitive, affective, and social processes that shape
how people engage with information sources (Case & Given, 2016). According to Wilson (1999),
information behaviour includes "both active and passive information seeking, and information
use," representing the complete range of activities involved in meeting information needs.
Over the past several decades, the study of information behaviour has shifted from system-centred
approaches to user-centred perspectives that recognise the complex interplay between individual
characteristics, contextual factors, and technological environments (Fisher & Julien, 2009).
Foundational models, such as Wilson's (1999) general model of information behaviour and
Kuhlthau's (1991) Information Search Process model, have emphasised that information seeking is
not merely a mechanical process but is influenced by psychological, environmental, and situational
variables. These frameworks help explain why users like Neo may struggle with database searching
and source evaluation, as information behaviour is shaped by more than just technical skills.
2. Factors Influencing Neo's Information Behaviour
Several interconnected factors influence Neo's information behaviour, creating significant barriers
to her academic success. These can be categorised into cognitive, affective, and skill-based factors.
Cognitive barriers are particularly evident in Neo's case. Research has identified lack of subject
knowledge, insufficient search skills, and limited awareness of information usability as primary
cognitive barriers experienced by university students (Urquhart & Rowley, 2007). Neo's admission
that her "lack of knowledge on the topic makes it difficult for her to evaluate the credibility of the
sources she finds online" directly reflects this cognitive deficit. Without adequate domain
knowledge, users struggle to distinguish between authoritative and non-authoritative sources,
leading to the selection of outdated and unreliable information (Flanagin & Metzger, 2008).
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2
2026
DUE 21 AUGUST 2026
Question 1: Scenario A
1. Concept of Information Behaviour
Information behaviour is a broad concept that encompasses the totality of human interactions with
information, including how individuals identify needs, seek, gather, evaluate, and use information
across various contexts (Wilson, 2000). This concept covers both active and passive
information-seeking activities, as well as the cognitive, affective, and social processes that shape
how people engage with information sources (Case & Given, 2016). According to Wilson (1999),
information behaviour includes "both active and passive information seeking, and information
use," representing the complete range of activities involved in meeting information needs.
Over the past several decades, the study of information behaviour has shifted from system-centred
approaches to user-centred perspectives that recognise the complex interplay between individual
characteristics, contextual factors, and technological environments (Fisher & Julien, 2009).
Foundational models, such as Wilson's (1999) general model of information behaviour and
Kuhlthau's (1991) Information Search Process model, have emphasised that information seeking is
not merely a mechanical process but is influenced by psychological, environmental, and situational
variables. These frameworks help explain why users like Neo may struggle with database searching
and source evaluation, as information behaviour is shaped by more than just technical skills.
2. Factors Influencing Neo's Information Behaviour
Several interconnected factors influence Neo's information behaviour, creating significant barriers
to her academic success. These can be categorised into cognitive, affective, and skill-based factors.
Cognitive barriers are particularly evident in Neo's case. Research has identified lack of subject
knowledge, insufficient search skills, and limited awareness of information usability as primary
cognitive barriers experienced by university students (Urquhart & Rowley, 2007). Neo's admission
that her "lack of knowledge on the topic makes it difficult for her to evaluate the credibility of the
sources she finds online" directly reflects this cognitive deficit. Without adequate domain
knowledge, users struggle to distinguish between authoritative and non-authoritative sources,
leading to the selection of outdated and unreliable information (Flanagin & Metzger, 2008).
