The predictors of academics' online information searching strategies: A structural model integrating cognitive absorption and digital literacy

Abstract

Searching for information on online environments is a crucial part of today's academics' work. However, no published research has been identified that comprehensively focuses on academics' online information searching patterns. This study aimed to determine the predictor variables of academics' online information searching strategies. A structural model which seeks to explain the relationship between online information searching strategies and predictor variables was constructed. Data was collected with four different data collection instruments: “Personal Information Form”, “Online Information Searching Strategies Scales”, “Cognitive Absorption Scale”, and “Digital Literacy Scale”, which were collected from 501 academics from 18 different universities. SEM analysis techniques were used in the analysis of the data. Twenty-four hypotheses were tested through SEM analysis. The results of the analysis found that academics' online information search strategies can be predicted by digital literacy. Daily internet usage time has a significant effect on cognitive absorption. In addition, digital literacy has a mediating role between online information searching strategies and cognitive absorption.