This section outlines the operational definitions of key terms used in this study. According to Kumar (2011:55), ‘operational definitions’ are interchangeably applied to explain key terms used in a study.
1.10.1. Information
Defining and examining the concept of information is too vast (Bitso, 2011:18) and the trouble in defining it is due to the assumptions of utility, physicality, structure/process, intentionality, and truth (Case, 2012:56-57). Kuhlthau (2008:68) therefore asserted that “the impact of information is what the user is interested in and what motivates the information seeking”. Information, in many cases “turns into a priority commodity but its creation often requires considerable costs and the
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efforts of a highly skilled-specialist” (Elyakov, 2010:63). Information can therefore be said to be
“a peculiar commodity” (Vickery and Vickery, 2004:27).
Information can be seen as “whatever appears significant to a human being, whether conceiving from an internal world or external environment” (Case, 2012:46). Kaniki (2001:191) defines and contextualises “information as ideas, facts, and imaginative works of the mind and data of value, potentially useful in decision making, question answering, and problem solving”. Kaniki's definition of information is used for this study since it clarifies the meaning of the concept of
‘information’ by highlighting the main purpose of information such as for decision making process and problem solving.
1.10.2 Information needs
An information need could be seen as an explicit need that “activates a conscious analytical process of information seeking” (Allen, 2011:2165). It could also be presented as “recognition that one’s knowledge is inadequate to satisfy a goal” and this definition guides the current study (Singh and Satija, 2006:27).
1.10.3 Information-seeking behaviour
Information-seeking behaviour could be seen as “a phenomenon that often defies generalization and escapes observation because it varies depending on people, situations, and objects of interest”
(Case, 2002:5). Wilson (2000:49) defines information seeking behaviour as
The purposive seeking for information as a consequence of a need to satisfy some goal.
In the course of seeking, the individual may interact with manual information systems such as a newspaper or a library or with computer-based systems such as the World Wide Web.
This study adopted Wilson's definition.
1.10.4 Information behaviour
Information behaviour is “a broad term that covers information needs, information-seeking behaviour, information searching and information use” (Stilwell, 2010:3). Similarly, information
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behaviour is seen as an umbrella in the field of library and information studies (LIS) (Case, 2000:49). According to Wilson (2000:49), information behaviour is “the totality of human behaviour in relation to sources and channels of information, including both active and passive information-seeking and information use”. Wilson’s definition of information behaviour is accepted for the purpose of this study.
1.10.5 Online information behaviour
Although, information-seeking has a long history, information-seeking using the Internet is a relatively new phenomenon (Nkomo, 2009:19). Huang's (2007) definition of online information behaviour as all activities that users conduct on the Internet, be it goal-directed searching or just surfing without a specific purpose is accepted for the purpose of this study.
1.10.6 Information Literacy
Information literacy is “the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information wisely” (Kuhlthau, 2008:71). For the purpose of this study Information Literacy encompasses both Internet literacy and Internet information literacy (Kim and Yang, 2016:441-442). The terms ‘Internet literacy’ and
‘Internet information literacy’ are further explained in Chapter Three.
1.10.7 Internet
The Internet is defined as a publicly available computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange. It is therefore the largest system of connected computers around the world that allows people to share information and communicate with each other (Online Cambridge Dictionary, 2016). This definition is used for the current study. Services such as the World Wide Web (WWW), electronic mail (email), online chat, and others operate on the Internet.
1.10.8 Internet access
This is the ability to connect to the Internet (Online Cambridge Dictionary, 2016). Internet accessibility is subject to the rates of data signal and this attests to the fact that users could access
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the Internet at different speeds (Techopedia, 2017). Some authors argue that Internet access should not only be referred to physical connection but ability to use (Lipp, 2002; Caldwell et al., 2008;
Haugen, 2014). For the purposes of this study, however, Internet access is used to refer to physical connection.
1.10.9 Internet connection
It is the process that enables individuals and organisations to connect to the Internet using computer terminals, computers as well as mobile devices. Internet connection types include dial-up access and broadband options such as ISDN, DSL, Cable, wireless, and so on (Haugen, 2014; Perkins, 1997).
1.10.10 Learners/Students and Grade/SHS
The current study was carried out at a South African university and the settings of the study were located in Ghana. In South Africa, persons that attend high schools are called ‘learners’ and
‘Grade’ is used to distinguish the levels of these learners. In Ghana, persons that attend high schools are called ‘students’ and ‘SHS’ is used to distinguish the levels of the students. In this regard, Grade 12 learners mean the same as SHS 3 students. For the purposes of this study,
‘learners’ and ‘Grade’ were used to define persons that attend high schools.