Expectancy‐value beliefs and information needs as motivators for task‐based information seeking

Abstract

Expectancy-value beliefs and information needs as motivators for task-based information seekingTo appear in Journal of Documentation 68, 2012 AbstractPurpose -The purpose of this article is to elaborate the picture of the motivators for information seeking by comparing the conceptualizations of task-based information need and expectancy-value theories. Design/ methodology/ approach -The article is a conceptual analysis of major articles characterizing task-based information needs and expectancy-value theories developed in psychology since the 1950s. Findings -The conceptualizations of task-based information need approach the motivators for information seeking in terms of the informational requirements posed by tasks at hand. However, the ways in which such needs trigger and drive information seeking have not specified in detail. Expectancy-value theories provide a more elaborate picture of motivational factors by focusing on actor´s beliefs about the probability of success in information seeking and the perceived value of the outcome of this activity. Research limitations/ implications -The findings are based on the comparison of two research approaches only. Originality/value -So far, information scientists have largely ignored the psychological theories of motivation. The study demonstrates the potential of such approaches by discussing an established psychological theory. The findings indicate that such theories hold a good potential to elaborate the models of task-based information seeking in particular.

Under the influence of a blogger: The role of information‐seeking goals and issue involvement

“…Savolainen () applied the expectancy‐value theory on information seeking. According to this study, the value of the information available and information‐seeking activity will determine an individual's information‐search behaviour.…”

Tracking middle school students' information behavior via Kuhlthau's ISP Model:Temporality

“…First, following Dewey (), Bruner (), and Kelly (1955/1991), Kuhlthau's ISP model is based on constructivist learning theory, which holds that the student constructs new knowledge by joining newly found information to his prior knowledge (Kuhlthau, , p. 14; see also Rowley & Urquhart, ). (Other cognitive motivation theories have been described by Savolainen []; for a contrary view see Hjørland []. )…”

‘Unearthing farmers' information seeking contexts and challenges in digital, local and industry environments’

“…Personal attributes such as prior knowledge, expertise and past experiences are contextual factors contributing to information seeking (Savolainen & Kari 2004;Vakkari 1999). A person's values, attitudes, interests, and expectations also contribute to developing their information needs and to information seeking (Savolainen, 2014;Choi, 2010;Tewksbury & Althaus, 2000); and to how they make meaning from this (Savolainen, 2012). Perceptions about accessibility, quality, convenience and credibility of information sources and channels also guide information seeking (Connaway, Dickey & Radford, 2011;Choi, 2010;Savolainen & Kari, 2004).…”