Analysis of Information Seeking Behavior Research Trends in Iran

This study explored its research trends by examining Iran's methods, contexts, and theories of information behavior research. This study is applied research regarding objectives and a content analysis regarding methodology. The research population consisted of 325 studies on information behavior. A researcher-made checklist was used to collect data, the validity of which was confirmed by experts. According to the researcher-made checklist, 325 data were analyzed based on the variables of each section. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and SPSS software (version 22). The results indicated the dominance of the quantitative approach and, consequently, the application of statistical analysis tools and methods related to this approach in relevant studies. In addition, most investigations were practical in this field, and therefore, fewer theoretical-philosophical studies and, in other words, fundamental research have been addressed in this field. There is no diversity in studies methodologically, and most of the reviewed studies, while referring to influential research in this field in their backgrounds, do not pay attention to their methodologies. Most of the research works are copies of previous studies conducted using quantitative, applied, and survey methods, and the desired population has changed only in some cases. Moreover, the scope of disciplines and specialties involved in the research production and studies reflects the interdisciplinary nature of this field with emphasis on knowledge and information science. The approach of information behavior research is expanding in various contexts with the presence of different types of users. However, it seems that the information behavior of the general public is less considered, and new studies are required in this regard. Research and studies conducted on information behavior in Iran have mainly considered the international models in this field, and some studies have even attempted to modify them. Few researchers have also proposed new models in this field, some of which have been published in international papers.