Developed by Dr. Carol Kuhlthau, Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University, the Information Search Process (ISP) is a "seven" stage process that encompasses various domains of a researcher's experience in seeking information. Dr. Kuhlthau's model, "based on two decades of empirical research, identifies three realms of experience: the affective (feelings), the cognitive (thoughts) and the physical (actions) common to each stage."
(Kuhlthau, 2004, pg. 82)
Some Research Findings
Some of Kuhlthau's longitudinal studies cited in her text Seeking Meaning: A Process Approach to Library and Information Services "revealed changes in students' expectations of the search process as a meaning making process occuring over time" (pg. 84). Students understood that uncertainty would be an emotion they would experience, particularly at the beginning of the process, but by the end of the process "they had a sense of closure beyond that of running out of time" (Kuhlthau, 2004, pg. 84). She also found that "of the four criteria for making decisions about topic and focus, personal interest received priority over assignment requirements, information available, and time allotted" (Kuhlthau, 2004, pg. 84).
Uncertainty Principle
In her studies, Kuhlthau focused on the thoughts and feelings of students performing research. What she found was varying degrees of uncertainty and anxiety throughout the research process. According to Kuhlthau, "Uncertainty and anxiety can be expected in the early stages of the ISP." In fact, it is what often motivates students as they start the research process; they are curious to know more about something they are interested in, or they are determined to find out information to something that is confusing. And, as students journey through the research process, their levels of uncertainty will decrease, while their levels of confidence will increase. Though, it is important to note that during the process, there are points at which feels of uncertainty will return. There are many implications for mediation throughtout the process; librarians and teachers can guide students through the stages of the ISP to help them learn how to learn.
Kuhlthau, C. C. (2004). Seeking Meaning: A Process Approach to Library and Information Services, 2nd edition. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
What is the Information Search Process?
Developed by Dr. Carol Kuhlthau, Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University, the Information Search Process (ISP) is a "seven" stage process that encompasses various domains of a researcher's experience in seeking information. Dr. Kuhlthau's model, "based on two decades of empirical research, identifies three realms of experience: the affective (feelings), the cognitive (thoughts) and the physical (actions) common to each stage."
(Kuhlthau, 2004, pg. 82)
Some Research Findings
Some of Kuhlthau's longitudinal studies cited in her text Seeking Meaning: A Process Approach to Library and Information Services "revealed changes in students' expectations of the search process as a meaning making process occuring over time" (pg. 84). Students understood that uncertainty would be an emotion they would experience, particularly at the beginning of the process, but by the end of the process "they had a sense of closure beyond that of running out of time" (Kuhlthau, 2004, pg. 84). She also found that "of the four criteria for making decisions about topic and focus, personal interest received priority over assignment requirements, information available, and time allotted" (Kuhlthau, 2004, pg. 84).Uncertainty Principle
In her studies, Kuhlthau focused on the thoughts and feelings of students performing research. What she found was varying degrees of uncertainty and anxiety throughout the research process. According to Kuhlthau, "Uncertainty and anxiety can be expected in the early stages of the ISP." In fact, it is what often motivates students as they start the research process; they are curious to know more about something they are interested in, or they are determined to find out information to something that is confusing. And, as students journey through the research process, their levels of uncertainty will decrease, while their levels of confidence will increase. Though, it is important to note that during the process, there are points at which feels of uncertainty will return. There are many implications for mediation throughtout the process; librarians and teachers can guide students through the stages of the ISP to help them learn how to learn.Kuhlthau, C. C. (2004). Seeking Meaning: A Process Approach to Library and Information Services, 2nd edition. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.