Developing scales for information‐seeking behaviour

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an instrument designed to measure information‐seeking behaviour of undergraduate students during study assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature research, internal consistency and reliability computed with Cronbach's Alpha (α), Factor Analyses with Varimax rotation, and item response theory form the approach to examining the subject.

Findings

Four scales were found within a 46‐item survey on information‐seeking behaviour: a ten‐item scale for applying search strategies (α=0.68), a 14‐item scale for evaluating information (α=0.74), a six‐item scale for referring to information (α=0.81) and a 12‐item scale for regulation activities when seeking information (α=0.75).

Originality/value

The four scales for information‐seeking behaviour can be used to monitor and evaluate this behaviour of students in higher education.

Citation

Timmers, C.F. and Glas, C.A.W. (2010), "Developing scales for information‐seeking behaviour", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 66 No. 1, pp. 46-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/00220411011016362