Cognitive barriers to information seeking: A conceptual analysis

Abstract

Based on the conceptual analysis, the study examines the features of cognitive barriers and their impact on information seeking. The study resulted in a typology specifying six sub-types of cognitive barriers: unwillingness to see one’s needs as information needs, inability to articulate one’s information needs, unawareness of information sources, low self-efficacy, poor search skills and inability to deal with information overload. The sub-types were reviewed at two stages of the information-seeking process: identifying and articulating information needs; and selecting and accessing information sources. The impact of cognitive barriers is mainly negative because they block, limit or hamper information seeking, or give rise to negative reactions such as frustration. Cognitive barriers can also impact positively by helping the individual to concentrate on a few, good enough sources of information.