INS3703 ASSESSMENT 1 2026
DUE 21 AUGUST 2026
USING INFORMATION: THE ROLE OF INFORMATION BEHAVIOUR
QUESTION 1: SCENARIO A
1.1 Explain the concept of information behaviour
Information behaviour refers to the totality of human actions, thoughts, emotions, and
reactions in relation to information sources and channels. Wilson (2000) defines human
information behaviour as "the totality of human behavior in relation to sources and
channels of information, including both active and passive information seeking, and
information use" (Ford, 2015, p.14). This definition encompasses face-to-face
communication, passive reception of information such as watching television
advertisements, and active information seeking.
Pettigrew, Fidel and Bruce (2001) further elaborate information behaviour as "the study
of how people need, seek, give and use information in different contexts, including the
workplace and everyday living" (Ford, 2015, p.13). This definition highlights that
information behaviour is not limited to formal academic or work settings but extends to
all aspects of daily life.
Importantly, information behaviour includes more than just information seeking
Information needs - the recognition that one's knowledge is inadequate to satisfy a
goal
Information seeking - the purposive search for information to satisfy a need
Information searching - the specific interactions with information retrieval systems
, Information use - the physical and mental act of incorporating new information into
existing knowledge
Information avoidance - ignoring, avoiding, or even destroying information (Ford,
2015, pp.13-15)
Wilson's (1999) nested model differentiates between these components: information
behaviour is the broadest concept, embracing information-seeking behaviour, which in
turn embraces information-searching behaviour (Ford, 2015, p.14). Additionally,
information behaviour encompasses both active and passive modes, including
serendipitous information encountering and deliberate searching (Study Guide, p.11).
The study of information behaviour is crucial because it helps information professionals
understand how people interact with information, enabling the development of better
products, services, and systems tailored to users' needs (Study Guide, p.8).
(Ford, 2015, pp.13-15; Study Guide, p.11)
1.2 Analyse and discuss the factors influencing Neo's information behaviour (8
Marks)
Neo's information behaviour is influenced by a complex interplay of internal (personal)
and external factors. Based on the scenario, the following factors can be identified:
Personal/Internal Factors
1. Cognitive Factors
Neo lacks adequate knowledge on the topic of ethical use of artificial intelligence in
higher education. This knowledge deficiency makes it difficult for her to evaluate the
credibility of sources she finds online (Study Guide, p.12). According to Hepworth
(2007), cognitive phenomena include existing knowledge of a topic, thinking skills such
as recognition of relevance, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, and thinking processes
, such as defining a problem (Study Guide, p.12). Neo's inability to effectively define her
information need and evaluate sources reflects cognitive limitations that hinder her
information behaviour.
2. Affective Factors
Neo experiences anxiety when performing searches that return many results. This
anxiety is a significant affective factor influencing her behaviour. Kuhlthau's Information
Search Process model identifies that feelings of uncertainty, confusion, frustration, and
doubt are common in the early stages of information seeking (Ford, 2015, p.84).
Savolainen (2012) notes that emotions may affect motivation to seek information in
terms of starting, expanding, limiting, terminating, or avoiding information seeking (Ford,
2015, p.113). Neo's anxiety likely leads her to avoid the more complex but more
authoritative library databases in favour of simpler Google searches and social media.
3. Behavioural Factors
Neo's preference for using social media and general Google search engines rather than
academic databases reflects her behavioural tendencies. She resorts to familiar, easy-
to-use tools rather than investing effort in learning how to use more sophisticated
information systems. This aligns with the principle of "least effort" identified by Zipf
(1949), whereby people tend to minimise the effort they expend on a task (Ford, 2015,
p.125).
4. Self-Efficacy
Neo exhibits low self-efficacy in relation to using library databases. Self-efficacy is an
individual's belief in their ability to successfully perform some task (Bandura, 1986, cited
in Ford, 2015, p.104). Her difficulties using databases and her anxiety when confronted
with many results suggest that she lacks confidence in her ability to navigate these
systems effectively. Low self-efficacy negatively impacts goal setting, motivation, effort,
and persistence in the face of setbacks (Ford, 2015, p.105).
External Factors
DUE 21 AUGUST 2026
USING INFORMATION: THE ROLE OF INFORMATION BEHAVIOUR
QUESTION 1: SCENARIO A
1.1 Explain the concept of information behaviour
Information behaviour refers to the totality of human actions, thoughts, emotions, and
reactions in relation to information sources and channels. Wilson (2000) defines human
information behaviour as "the totality of human behavior in relation to sources and
channels of information, including both active and passive information seeking, and
information use" (Ford, 2015, p.14). This definition encompasses face-to-face
communication, passive reception of information such as watching television
advertisements, and active information seeking.
Pettigrew, Fidel and Bruce (2001) further elaborate information behaviour as "the study
of how people need, seek, give and use information in different contexts, including the
workplace and everyday living" (Ford, 2015, p.13). This definition highlights that
information behaviour is not limited to formal academic or work settings but extends to
all aspects of daily life.
Importantly, information behaviour includes more than just information seeking
Information needs - the recognition that one's knowledge is inadequate to satisfy a
goal
Information seeking - the purposive search for information to satisfy a need
Information searching - the specific interactions with information retrieval systems
, Information use - the physical and mental act of incorporating new information into
existing knowledge
Information avoidance - ignoring, avoiding, or even destroying information (Ford,
2015, pp.13-15)
Wilson's (1999) nested model differentiates between these components: information
behaviour is the broadest concept, embracing information-seeking behaviour, which in
turn embraces information-searching behaviour (Ford, 2015, p.14). Additionally,
information behaviour encompasses both active and passive modes, including
serendipitous information encountering and deliberate searching (Study Guide, p.11).
The study of information behaviour is crucial because it helps information professionals
understand how people interact with information, enabling the development of better
products, services, and systems tailored to users' needs (Study Guide, p.8).
(Ford, 2015, pp.13-15; Study Guide, p.11)
1.2 Analyse and discuss the factors influencing Neo's information behaviour (8
Marks)
Neo's information behaviour is influenced by a complex interplay of internal (personal)
and external factors. Based on the scenario, the following factors can be identified:
Personal/Internal Factors
1. Cognitive Factors
Neo lacks adequate knowledge on the topic of ethical use of artificial intelligence in
higher education. This knowledge deficiency makes it difficult for her to evaluate the
credibility of sources she finds online (Study Guide, p.12). According to Hepworth
(2007), cognitive phenomena include existing knowledge of a topic, thinking skills such
as recognition of relevance, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, and thinking processes
, such as defining a problem (Study Guide, p.12). Neo's inability to effectively define her
information need and evaluate sources reflects cognitive limitations that hinder her
information behaviour.
2. Affective Factors
Neo experiences anxiety when performing searches that return many results. This
anxiety is a significant affective factor influencing her behaviour. Kuhlthau's Information
Search Process model identifies that feelings of uncertainty, confusion, frustration, and
doubt are common in the early stages of information seeking (Ford, 2015, p.84).
Savolainen (2012) notes that emotions may affect motivation to seek information in
terms of starting, expanding, limiting, terminating, or avoiding information seeking (Ford,
2015, p.113). Neo's anxiety likely leads her to avoid the more complex but more
authoritative library databases in favour of simpler Google searches and social media.
3. Behavioural Factors
Neo's preference for using social media and general Google search engines rather than
academic databases reflects her behavioural tendencies. She resorts to familiar, easy-
to-use tools rather than investing effort in learning how to use more sophisticated
information systems. This aligns with the principle of "least effort" identified by Zipf
(1949), whereby people tend to minimise the effort they expend on a task (Ford, 2015,
p.125).
4. Self-Efficacy
Neo exhibits low self-efficacy in relation to using library databases. Self-efficacy is an
individual's belief in their ability to successfully perform some task (Bandura, 1986, cited
in Ford, 2015, p.104). Her difficulties using databases and her anxiety when confronted
with many results suggest that she lacks confidence in her ability to navigate these
systems effectively. Low self-efficacy negatively impacts goal setting, motivation, effort,
and persistence in the face of setbacks (Ford, 2015, p.105).
External Factors
