Integrating models and integrated models: towards a unified model of information seeking behaviour

Abstract

Introduction. There has been a proliferation of information seeking models and theories, each incorporating different viewpoints, concepts, and terminology. While there have been prior attempts at integration, they have all focused on different facets of information seeking behaviour. Method / Analysis. In this paper, I integrate models and frameworks in information seeking behaviour. I considered three groups of models: those that emerged in the 1980s and the 1990s; those from the year 2000 onwards; and integrated models. I mapped the important elements in the chosen models to each other. The unified subset of these elements was then used to create the unified model. Results. I arrive at tables comparing the common elements in different models, a unified model of information seeking behaviour, and examples of propositions derived from the model. The unified model was finally extended to include information behaviour, other than seeking and searching. Conclusions. The unified model should contribute to theory development by drawing attention to the common features and functions of elements in various models. The process of mapping could help researchers synthesise models and create a meta-model, and also serve as a methodological move of taking the work of a theorist and mapping other models to it. The unified model will help system designers view user needs, context, and their information seeking behaviour as central to building context-aware systems.