Document Type : Original Article
Author
Shiraz university, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
Purpose: To understand the role of perceived information overload and information seeking anxiety in predicting information avoidance among graduate students at Shiraz University in the academic year 1402-1403.
Methodlogy: This study employs a quantitative and descriptive-correlational approach in its fundamental objective. The research population consisted of all graduate students at Shiraz University during the academic year 1402-1403. The sample was calculated using a random sampling method and based on the Cochran table, resulting in a sample size of 235 people. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was confirmed by examining Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability coefficient and the validity of the questionnaire through convergent and divergent validity, and the entire construct was also confirmed through factor analysis.
Findlings: Information seeking anxiety on perceived information overload (β=.805, p<.001); perceived information overload on information avoidance (β=.235, p=.001); Information seeking anxiety indirectly affects and can predict information avoidance, and perceived information overload mediates this relationship (β=.189, p<.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that information-seeking anxiety, perceived information overload, and information avoidance were related. Perceived information overload is predicted by information-seeking anxiety; information avoidance is predicted by perceived information overload; information avoidance is predicted by information-seeking anxiety with the mediation of perceived information overload.
Value: Given the importance of identifying factors affecting information avoidance, it will increase the awareness of librarians and information literacy specialists and help information system designers to design optimal systems to reduce perceived information overload and information avoidance.
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