Within-Person Analysis of Information Seeking: The Effects of Perceived Costs and Benefits

Abstract

This study focused on how perceived costs and benefits affect information seeking across multiple types and sources of information. This focus required a within-person approach to data collection and analysis. Respondents were 282 early-career engineers. The results demonstrate that individuals selectively seek different types of information, and utilize different sources, based on assessments of corresponding costs and benefits. Results provide insight into individuals’ decisions about what information to seek and from whom, and highlight the value of studying within-person patterns of information seeking.