Influence of Need for Cognition and Need for Cognitive Closure on Three Information Behavior Orientations

摘要

Need for Cognition and Need for Cognitive Closure are two stable traits that can enlighten the understanding of interindividual variations in information behavior. Following a qualitative phase, an information behavior scale was developed using items related to the ways in which information is needed, sought, used and shared. This scale was tested with 122 undergraduate students. Results of a factor analysis indicated three different and non-mutually exclusive aspects of information behavior: orientation to rule following, preference for familiarity and simplicity, and desire for intellectual independence. Analyses of variances for each factor, using scores for Need for Cognition and Need for Cognitive Closure as independent variables, indicated that these two traits produce significant effects on information behavior. A significant main effect of Need for Cognition was observed for the orientation to rule following and the desire for intellectual independence. A significant main effect of Need for Cognition was observed for the preference for familiarity and simplicity. Lastly, a significant interaction effect between Need for Cognition and Need for Cognitive Closure was also observed for the desire for intellectual independence.