Research on the Information Searching Behavior of Academic Users in the Context of Research Tasks: Kuhlthau-based Information Search Process Model

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to explore the user’s information search process and search behavior in the context of research-oriented tasks, so as to better provide effective decision support for related information and scientific services targeting at academic users. Based on Kuhlthau’s information search process model and research task situation, this paper explores the information search behavior at three stages—pre focus, focus formation and post focus—from a macro perspective. First, through the combination of key event method and Micro-Moment Time-Line interview method, the data collection of 21 interviewees is completed; then, the results are analyzed by content analysis method and induction method, and the performance of academic users in different information search stages is explored from three dimensions of information demand, information search strategy and emotional state. The results show that the information search behavior of academic users in the context of research task is a complex process. At three different stages of information search process, user characteristics, such as subject background, prior knowledge, perceived task complexity, academic level, are a moderating variable, and have a significant impact on the search process, thoughts, actions and emotion.

Zhang Ru, , Liu Jing, , Jiang Kai ( School of Information Resource Management, Renmin University of China, Library of Renmin University of China, Aerospace Architecture Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd). Research on the Information Searching Behavior of Academic Users in the Context of Research Tasks: Kuhlthau-based Information Search Process Model[J]. Libraly Journal, 2022, 41(2): 112-118.

References

[ 1 ] Ellis D.A behavioural model for information retrieval system design[J].Journal of Information Science，1989，15（5）：237–247.
[ 2 ] Meho L I，Tibbo H R.Modeling the information-seeking behavior of social scientists：Ellis’s study revisited[J]. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology，2003，54（6）：
570–587.
[ 3 ] Marchionini G.Exploratory search：From finding to understanding[J].Communications of the ACM，2006，49（4）：41–46.
[ 4 ] 王昌，韩建华，孙晓宁.协同信息搜寻用户情绪影响因素研究——基于自我效能感和任务复杂性[J].图书情报知识，2021（1）：76–84.
[ 5 ] 刘冰，鲁庆碧.网络学术信息搜索中科研用户信息选判影响因素实证研究——基于复杂任务情境[J].情报理论与实践，2018，41（4）：50–55.
[ 6 ] Hu X，Kando N.Task complexity and difficulty in music information retrieval[J].Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology，2017，68（7）：1711–1723.
[ 7 ] 袁红，吴艳萍.选择与转换：复杂任务情境下用户搜索策略的运用[J].情报理论与实践，2019，42（5）：93–98.
[ 8 ] Liu C，Zhang X，Huang W.The exploration of objective task difficulty and domain knowledge effects on users’ query formulation[C]//Proceedings of the 79th ASIS&T Annual Meeting：Creating Knowledge，Enhancing Lives through Information & Technology.Copenhagen，Denmark.2016，53（1）：1–9.
[ 9 ] Ingwersen P，Jaervelin K.Information retrieval in contexts[J]. Acm Sigir Forum，2005，39（2）：31–39.
[10] Li Y，Nicholas J，Belkin. A faceted approach to conceptualizing tasks in information seeking[J]. Information Processing & Management，2008，44（6）：
1822–1837.
[11] Tung Vuong，Miamaria Saastamoinen，Giulio Jacucci，et al. Understanding user behavior in naturalistic information search tasks[J]. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology，2019，70（11）：1248–1261.
[12] Kim J. Describing and Predicting Information-Seeking Behavior on the Web[J]. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology，2009，60（4）：679–693.
[13] Du，Jia Tina1，Evans Nina.Academic Users’ Information Searching on Research Topics：Characteristics of Research Tasks and Search Strategies[J].The Journal of Academic Librarianship，2011，37（4）：299–306.
[14] Toms E，Freund L，Kopak R，et al. The effect of task domain on search[C]//Proceedings of the 2003 Conference of the Centre for Advanced Studies on Collaborative Research.IBM Press，2003：303–312.
[15] Capra R，Arguello J，Zhang Y. The Effects of Search Task Determinability on Search Behavior[C]//European conference on information retrieval. Springer，Cham，2017，4：108–121.
[16] Wildemuth B W，Freund L，Toms E G. Untangling
search task complexity and difficulty in the context of interactive information retrieval studies[J]. Journal of Documentation，2014，70（6）：1118–1140.
[17] Bell D，Ruthven I.Searcher’s assessments of task complexity for web searching[C]//Advances in Information Retrieval.Springer，2004，2997：57–71.
[18] Campbell D J.Task complexity：A review and analysis[J].Academy of Management，1988，13（1）：
40–52.
[19] Aula A，Khan R M，Guan Z W.How does search behavior change as search becomes more difficult？[C]//Proceedings of the 28th Annual CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.Atlanta，GA，USA，2010：35–44.
[20] Liu C，Liu J，Cole M，et al.Task difficulty and domain knowledge effects on information search behaviors[J].Proceedings of the American Society for Information Science and Technology，2012，49（1）：
1–10.
[21] 姜婷婷，贺虹虹，张正楠.搜索任务复杂度对用户情感的影响研究[J].图书情报知识，2016（4）：74–82.
[22] Vakkari P. Task complexity，problem structure and information actions：Integrating studies on information seeking and retrieval[J]. Information Processing & Management，1999，35（6）：819–837.
[23] Vakkari P.A theory of the task-based information retrieval process：A summary and generalisation of a longitudinal study[J]. Journal of Documentation，2001，57（1）：44–60.
[24] Kundu K.Models of information seeking behaviour：A comparative study[J]. International Journal of Library & Information Studies，2017，7（4）：
393–405.