The effects of internet filtering on users’ information-seeking behaviour and emotions

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 408-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid R. Jamali ◽  
Pria Shahbaztabar
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Content Filtering ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Internet Filtering ◽  
Search Tasks ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Software Filtering

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between internet filtering, emotions and information-seeking behaviour. Design/methodology/approach In total, 15 postgraduate students at an Iranian university participated in the study which involved a questionnaire, search tasks with think aloud narratives, and interviews. Findings Internet content filtering results in some changes in the information-seeking behaviour of users. Users who face website blocking use a variety of methods to bypass filtering, mostly by using anti-filter software. Filtering encourages users to use channels such as social networking services to share resources and it increases the use of library material by some of the users. Users who face filtering during their search are more likely to visit more pages of results and click on more hits in the results, unlike users who do not experience filtering who rarely go past the first page. Blocking users’ access to content stimulates their curiosity and they become more determined to access the content. In terms of the affective aspect, filtering causes several negative emotions (e.g. anger, disgust, sadness and anxiety) and the main reason for these emotions is not the inability to access information but the feeling of being controlled and not having freedom. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to a small number of postgraduate students in social sciences and not generalisable to all user groups. The implication is that in countries where filtering is used, libraries can play an important role in serving users and reducing users negative emotions, especially if libraries can take advantage of technologies such as social media for their services. Originality/value This is first study to address the effects of internet filtering on information-seeking behaviour and emotions. The study shows that internet filtering causes negative emotions and results in some changes in information-seeking behaviour.

scholarly journals Profiling information-seeking behaviour of distance learning students in Wawasan Open University

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vighnarajah ◽  
Farzanah Ali Hassan ◽  
Norhasni Abd Aziz ◽  
Ooi Siew Lee
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Open University ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose Wawasan Open University Library undertook a survey study, based on the Wilson’s revised model of information behaviour (1999), to profile information-seeking behaviour of their distance students in using library resources in their research and learning activities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Using random sampling method, samples were selected to ensure proper representation of the population across four schools of studies and five regional centres. A total of 550 questionnaires were sent to undergraduate and postgraduate students, and 435 completed questionnaires were returned with a success response rate of 79 per cent. Findings Findings indicated significant differences between undergraduate and postgraduate students in using the university’s MyDigital Library and physical library for their information needs. Findings also indicated significant difference between first-year and post-first-year students in using internet search engines as part of their information-seeking process. Practical implications Students improving on their information-seeking behaviour in the learning and research work paved way for them to better experience university vivacity and not isolate themselves from distance learning. Originality/value This paper acknowledges the importance of promoting good information-seeking behaviour among distance learners in the scholarship of learning and research work. The paper also amplifies the important role library plays in minimizing students’ sense of isolation in university learning experience.

Information seeking behaviour of traditional leaders in the Shai Osudoku District of Ghana

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 614-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
DONUS WORLANYO BUADI ◽  
PATIENCE EMEFA DZANDZA
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Traditional Leaders ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders in the Shai Osudoku District of Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – The case study methodology was used. An interview schedule was designed to elicit information from 12 chiefs from the Shai Traditional Council. Findings – The findings of the study showed that traditional leaders sought information on issues that bordered on their community as well as information for their personal use. It also showed that they usually used informal sources such as the traditional council and their subjects but also exhibited similar information-seeking behaviour to that of professionals. They also used information dissemination or transfer methods that were in line with the oral culture of their traditional society. They had challenges in the use of information technology due to their low educational level, as well as challenges in having access to formal sources due to unavailability. Practical implications – The study brought to light the challenges traditional leaders encountered in executing their roles. It was therefore recommended that government agencies collaborate with them to enhance their work. Originality/value – Several studies have been conducted on information-seeking behaviour of different categories of people within different contexts. However, few studies have been conducted on the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders. This study thus sought to serve as a foundation research on the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders, with Shai Osudoku District of Ghana as the study area.

Factors affecting the information-seeking behaviour of postgraduate students at the University of South Africa Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Addisalem Gebrekidan Desta ◽  
Madely du Preez ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Electronic Information ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
The University

The purpose of this study was to investigate some of the factors affecting the information-seeking behaviour of postgraduate students registered at the University of South Africa (Unisa) as represented by its Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre, with particular emphasis on their use of electronic information resources. A qualitative case study approach was adopted. In semi-structured interviews, eight conveniently selected postgraduate students shared their information-seeking experiences. The data was analysed thematically. The findings identified contextual and personal factors which gave rise to the respondents’ information needs and in turn prompted information activities such as information seeking. Of these, a lack of ICT infrastructure, frequent interruptions in electricity supply, old computers and the location of the Akaki Branch Library proved to be the main factors affecting postgraduate students’ electronic information-seeking behaviour. The findings showed the effect that inadequate facilities have on postgraduate students’ information behaviour.

scholarly journals Effects of Content Features and Lingual Form of Government Information Release on the Regulation of Public Negative Emotions During COVID-19 Epidemic in Wuhan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
yanchun zhu ◽  
wei zhang ◽  
mei zhang ◽  
chunlei qin ◽  
jianbo wen
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Government Information ◽  
Social Emotions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Information Release ◽  
Form Of Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
Rational Language

Abstract Background: Emergencies and their associated negative emotions have a great effect on public health. As a key part of the emergency management, government information release (GIR) not only meets the public's health information seeking, but also helps to eliminate the breeding and spreading of negative social emotions. Method: From the two aspects of content features and lingual forms, a regression model was built to explore the mechanism of GIR on the regulation of netizens' negative emotions by adopting the theoretical methods of content analysis, emotion calculation, and case analysis. Results: During the emergency outbreak, if the government can timely release information on the incident and respond to the public using rational language, netizens' negative emotions can be alleviated. During the emergency peak, the government should release the event progress, resolution and disposal information to improve the recognition of netizens and eliminate negative emotions. Conclusions: According to different stages of emergencies, the government should timely and reasonably utilize the attitude tendency, content type and lingual form of GIR to effectively regulate the negative emotions of netizens.

scholarly journals Modelling the information seeking and searching behaviour of users with impairments: are existing models applicable?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerd Berget ◽  
Andrew MacFarlane ◽  
Nils Pharo
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
User Studies ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Motor Impairments ◽  
Current Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Groups ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Online Information Seeking ◽  
Use Of Models

PurposeA substantial number of models have been developed over the years, with the purpose of describing the information seeking and searching of people in various user groups and contexts. Several models have been frequently applied in user studies, but are rarely included in research on participants with impairments. Models are purposeful when developing theories. Consequently, it might be valuable to apply models when studying this user group, as well. The purpose of this study was to explore whether existing models are applicable in describing the online information seeking and searching of users with impairments, with an overall aim to increase the use of models in studies involving impairments.Design/methodology/approachSix models were selected according to the following criteria: the model should address information seeking or searching, include the interaction between users and systems whilst incorporating assistive technology. Two user groups were selected from each of the categories: cognitive, sensory and motor impairments, namely dyslexia, autism, blindness, deafness, paralysation and Parkinson's. The models were then analysed based on known barriers reported for these cohorts.FindingsAll the selected models had potential to be applied in user studies involving impairments. While three of the models had the highest potential to be used in the current form, the other three models were applicable either through minor revisions or by combining models.Originality/valueThis study contributes with a new perspective on the use of models in information seeking and searching research on users with impairments.

Information seeking behaviour of Malaysian town planners

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 330-364
Author(s):  
Intan Afida ◽  
Shaharudin Idrus ◽  
Halimaton Saadiah Hashim
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Flood Risk ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Town Planning ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flood Risks ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Flood Risk Reduction ◽  
Site Planning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the information-seeking behaviour of Malaysian Town Planners (MTPs) in fulfilling their specific work task, which is to prepare the Development Proposal Report (DPR) that incorporates flood risk reduction aspects for planning permission purposes. The researcher investigated MTPs’ involvement in the DPR preparation, types of information sought from five town planning reference instruments, the uses of five town planning reference instruments and additional information sources and the problem faced when seeking for and using of the information from five town planning reference instruments for the DPR preparation. Design/methodology/approach This study was based on quantitative research using the postal survey method. Data were collected from 60 MTPs using questionnaires, with a response rate of 81.7 per cent. Findings The study showed that limited professional knowledge is the main factor influencing information-seeking behaviour of MTPs in the DPR preparation. The study revealed that MTPs seek information which are mainly related to the incorporation of flood risk reduction aspects in site planning, detailed information on existing conditions for all planning sectors especially for planning sectors that influence flood risks, detailed information on how development controls that influence the risks of flooding should be considered and detailed information on site planning aspects that influence flood risks from five town planning reference instruments. The MTPs gave various answers for the seven factors influencing their choice of use for each town planning reference instruments. Familiarity and prior success and trustworthiness factors got the most absolutely very important answers; followed by the quality factor with the most important answers; the timeliness factor with the most moderately important answers; accessibility factor with the most somewhat important answers; the cost factor with the most not so important answers; and the packaging factor with the most not important at all answers. The MTPs used additional sources such as the local planning authority, other agencies, colleagues, internet, clients, books, journals, seminar or conference papers and magazines to get useful information for the DPR preparation besides the five town planning reference instruments. The study found that the top three problems encountered by the MTPs during their information seeking for and using of information were the related information on incorporation of flood risk reduction aspects in site planning in all five town planning reference instruments were not sufficient, not in detail and not complete. Research limitations/implications Only 60 MTPs, whose DPRs for lowland development areas with planning permission from the Selayang Municipal Council, Selangor, Malaysia, from the year 2012 to 2014 were chosen as samples in this study. Besides that, only site planning aspects in five town planning reference instruments were taken into account in this study. Practical implications This paper provides useful understanding of the information-seeking behaviour of MTPs in fulfilling one of their professional tasks, which is preparing the DPR that incorporates flood risk reduction aspects for planning permission purposes. Originality value Being the first study on information-seeking behaviour of MTPs, it contributes to the very limited research literature on the topic for this profession in the world generally and Malaysia specifically.

Thai immigrants’ information seeking behaviour and perception of the public library’s role during the settlement process

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 535-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pornpimol Sirikul ◽  
Dan Dorner
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
English Language ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how Thai immigrants who relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, looked for and found the information they needed during their settlement process. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative methodology through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions that were conducted with nine Thai immigrants living in the greater Auckland region. Mwarigha’s three stages of settlement and Dervin’s Sense-Making Methodology were used as theoretical frameworks for understanding the information-seeking behaviour of the Thai immigrants and their information needs and associated barriers to accessing information at different stages of the settlement process. Findings The information needs of Thai immigrants in Auckland were diverse based on the stage of each participant’s settlement process. The main information needs of the participants were for employment, English language-learning, housing, health and making connections. Their main information sources during settlement were family, friends and the internet. The participants saw Auckland Libraries as a useful source but did not take full benefit of the library’s services. The main barriers in accessing services were English language incompetence, lack of resources available in the Thai language, lack of time and library staff behaviour. Research limitations/implications The results of this study will provide library and information professionals with new insights into Thai immigrants’ information-seeking behaviour and their information needs, which may contribute to providing immigrants with the information tools they need to improve the quality of their lives in New Zealand. As this study is limited to Thai immigrants in Auckland only, there is a need to conduct a study on the information needs and seeking behaviour of Thai immigrants in other locales. It may be of interest to researchers to conduct a quantitative study of a larger sample to further generalise the findings. Originality/value There is minimal research that specifically investigates the information needs, sources and barriers to information experienced by immigrants throughout the settlement process. This study is unique in that it focuses on a specific ethnic community of Thais. The findings of this study can be a stepping stone towards further research to gain a deeper understanding of Thai and other immigrants’ information needs, sources, barriers and their perceptions towards public libraries.

Information seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iraj Radad ◽  
Hassan Behzadi ◽  
Somayeh Zadehrahim
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Native People ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Agricultural Export ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Use Of Information Sources

Purpose The present research aims to compare information-seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran. Design/methodology/approach The study sample consisted of 375 saffron farmers (295 ordinary and 80 elite saffron farmers) selected using the cluster sampling method. Data were collected by a kind of researcher-made questionnaire. Findings The results showed saffron onion, pesticides, cultivators and farmland worker were the main components of saffron farmers’ information-seeking behaviour of both groups. The most important sources of information for both groups included reference to past experience, neighbouring saffron farmers, contact with informants and other family members. The main criteria which affected the behaviour of the two groups on the use of information sources were provided information in local language, native people, clear and intelligible information and low cost. Farmers were also confronted with common problems such as lack of attention to the needs of farmers and insufficient number of technical experts. It was also found that there was no significant relationship between information-seeking behaviour of elite and ordinary saffron farmers and their performance. Originality/value Saffron is one of the most important agricultural export products in Iran, and this paper is the first research in this subject. The results can help develop information-seeking behaviour of farmers.

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