Modelling searching on academic social networking sites: a focus on learning outcomes

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to establish a theoretical search model on academic social networking sites (ASNSs). Design/methodology/approach Based on the characteristics of ASNSs and a previous extended sense-making model, this paper first presented an initial model of searching on ASNSs. Next, an online survey was conducted on ResearchGate to understand the search processes and outcomes with the help of a survey questionnaire. In total, 359 participants from 70 countries participated in this online survey. The survey results provided a basis for modifying the initial model. Findings Results showed that the theoretical model of searching on ASNSs included motives for searching on ASNSs, identification of needs, search triggered by information needs, search triggered by social needs and outcomes. The search triggered by information needs was significantly positively correlated with learning outcomes. Besides learning outcomes, searching on ASNSs could help user amplify their social networks and promote research dissemination. Practical implications Understanding users’ search habits and knowledge acquisition can provide insights for ASNSs to design an interface to support searching and enhance learning. Moreover, the proposed model can help users recognize their knowledge status and learning effects and improve their learning efficiency. Originality/value This paper contributes to establishing a theoretical model to understand users’ search process and outcomes on ASNSs.

Investigating users' sustained information seeking on academic social networking sites

“…, 2022). Relevant studies tend to anchor an appropriate theoretical lens to organize and classify various motivations and then validate what motivations are effective in an empirical setting (Wu et al. , 2022).…”

“…Regarding the motivation aspect, researchers seek to figure out users' complex motivations on ASNSs, including self-archiving, finding domain experts and continuous usage intention (Lee et al, 2019;Wu et al, 2021;Yang et al, 2022). Relevant studies tend to anchor an appropriate theoretical lens to organize and classify various motivations and then validate what motivations are effective in an empirical setting (Wu et al, 2022). Table 1 presents recent representative studies regarding the use of ASNSs for scholarly communication in terms of research focus, purpose, theoretical underpinning, major findings and methods of data analysis.…”

“…The users intend to stay on ASNSs primarily because they want to constantly seek and obtain useful academic information (Wu et al. , 2021, 2022). Consequently, the existing literature is still silent on users' sustained information activities on ASNSs.…”

“…Unfortunately, such research neglects users' information activities on ASNSs when analyzing the continuance intention. The users intend to stay on ASNSs primarily because they want to constantly seek and obtain useful academic information (Wu et al, 2021(Wu et al, , 2022. Consequently, the existing literature is still silent on users' sustained information activities on ASNSs.…”