Wilson has developed several information behavior models across time. The emer- gence of new contexts, such as information-seeking on the Web, collaborative in- formation-seeking, the role of information-seeking behavior in teams, and so forth, leads to the integration and modification of old models. Focusing on the context of information need, Wilson’s 1996 model of information behavior is shown in Fig- ure 1.2 (Wilson, 1999, p. 257). This model is a major revision of his 1981 model (Wilson, 1981) by integrating research in decision-making, psychology, innovation,
User-Orented IR Research Approaches
health communication, and consumer research. The uniqueness of the model is that it incorporates other theoretical modes of behaviors, such as stress/coping theory, risk/reward theory, and social learning theory, to enlighten the relationships between needs and information-seeking behavior, information resource usage, and self-ef- ficacy. In addition, it also identifies several modes of search, for example, passive search, active search, ongoing search, and so forth. More importantly, this model can relate to other information-seeking models. The models of Ellis and Kuhlthau are the expansion and illustration of the active search mode of information-seeking behavior (Wilson, 1999).
In order to provide an integration of models of information-seeking and informa- tion-searching, Wilson (1999, p. 266) proposed a problem-solving model of the information- seeking and -searching process (Figure 1.3). Inspired by Saracevic’s (1996a) comments on uncertainty as the basic notion of IR theory and practice, Wilson explored uncertainty in communication theory; he found that uncertainty might lead to increased communication activity in the form of information-seeking and exchange. Schutz and Luckmann’s (1974) problematic situation provides an answer for the solution of the problem of uncertainty. The problem-solving model focuses on the following information-seeking and -searching process:
Context of information need
Person-in-context
Intervening
variables Activating mechanism
Risk/reward theory Activating
mechanism
Stress/coping theory
Psychological
Information Processing and use Demographic Role-related or interpersonal
Environmental Source characteristics
Information- seeking behaviour
Social learning Theory
Self- efficacy
Passive attention
Passive search
Ongoing search Active search
search
Figure 1.2. Wilson’s model of information behavior. From “Models in informa- tion behavior research” by T. D. Wilson, 1999. Journal of Documentation, 55, p.
257. Copyright 1999 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Used with copyright permission.
• Problem identification refers to finding out the type of problem.
• Problem definition refers to describing the specific problem.
• Problem resolution refers to identifying the answers to the problem.
• Solution statement refers to presenting the answers to the problem.
The model emphasizes that if uncertainty fails to resolve at any stage, it may lead to a feedback loop to a previous stage. By applying this model, Kuhlthau’s ISP can be seen as reiterated steps that may occur between each stage (Wilson, 1999).
Wilson’s models have been tested and enhanced by researchers in the field. In order to have a better understanding of information-seeking behavior, Spink and Cole (2006) proposed an integrated model of information use based on the conceptual- ization of the three interdisciplinary approaches to information-seeking in which Wilson’s problem-solving model takes a leading role in the problem-resolution approach. Pharo (2004) developed the search situation and transition model based on literature studies of different models, including Wilson’s problem-solving model and findings from an empirical study of real Web search sessions. Ford (2004) reviewed several cognitive models, including Wilson’s problem-solving model, to illustrate uncertainty as the driving force for information-seeking behavior. Based on a study of the information-seeking behavior of managers, Niedźwiedzka (2003) criticized and modified Wilson’s global model of information-seeking behavior in its conceptual content as well as graphical presentation. She proposed a new model that modified Wilson’s model; it keeps the main constructs of the model but sug- gests the following changes: 1) use the intervening variables to define “context”;
2) indicate the context variables influencing behaviors in the information-seeking process; 3) emphasize the occurrence of activating mechanisms at all stages of the information-seeking process; and 4) introduce two ways of information-seeking with end-users themselves or using various intermediaries.
Uncertainty resolution
Uncertainty resolution Uncertainty
resolution
Problem
Identfcaton Soluton
statement Problem
defnton Problem
resoluton
Figure 1.3. Wilson’s problem-solving model. From “Models in information behavior research” by T. D. Wilson, 1999. Journal of Documentation, 55, p. 266. Copyright 1999 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Used with copyright permission.
User-Orented IR Research Approaches
Wilson’s model has also been applied to examine different user groups’ information- seeking behavior. Guided by this model of the problem-solving process, Wilson, Ford, Ellis, Foster, and Spink (2002) studied the mediated search between a pro- fessional search intermediary and faculty and research students engaged in either personal or externally supported research projects. The article demonstrated that the problem-solving model serves as a useful framework in understanding information- seeking behavior. Drawing information-seeking strategies from Wilson’s model, Thivant (2005) analyzed information-seeking and information use in a professional context, in particular the information-seeking behavior of economists and business analysts. This study demonstrated that the professional context and the activity itself can influence information-seeking behaviors. Citing Wilson’s model, Zach (2005) identified the information-seeking and information-stopping behavior of senior arts administrators in the process of achieving their management tasks. The author further discussed the potential for applying the results of the study to confirm and expand existing models of information-seeking behavior.