声明
Abstract
摘要
CONTENTS
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
1 Introduction
1.1 The Research Background
1.2 Statement of the Research Problem
1.3 Significance of the Study
1.4 Research Objectives and Questions
1.5 Overview of the Research Design
1.6 Context of the Study
1.7 Main Innovations/Contributions
1.8 Organization of the Thesis
2 Review of Literature
2.1 Theoretical Literature
2.1.1 Definitions and Cladfications of Concepts
2.1.2 Theoretical Constructs and Models in Information Behaviour
2.1.3 Selected Information Seeking Models
2.1.4 Agricultural Information Systems
2.1.5 Gaps in the Theoretical Literature
2.2 Empirical Literature
2.2.1 Agricultural Information Needs
2.2.2 Sources and Channels of Communication in Agriculture
2.2.3 Information Seeking Behaviour of Farmers
2.2.4 Gaps in the Empirical Studies
3 Research Design for Model Development
3.1 Design Phase 1:Source Model Selection and Identifying Dimensions and Determinants Relating to Farmers’ ISB
3.2 Design Phase 2:Conducting a Preliminary Study
3.3 Design Phase 3:Synthesizing a Model of Farmers’ ISB
3.4 Design Phase 4:Evaluating the Proposed Model of Farmers’ ISB
4 Research Methods
4.1 Data Collection
4.1.1 Operationalization of the Model Constructs for Evaluation
4.1.2 Data Collection Instruments Selection and Development
4.1.3 Pilot Testing of the Survey Questionnaire
4.1.4 Selection of the Study Population
4.1.5 Sample Design
4.1.6 Data Collection Survey
4.2 Data Analysis
4.2.1 Evaluation of the Proposed Model of Farmers’ ISB
4.2.2 Determining the Information Need Extent of the Vegetable Farmers
4.2.3 The extent of Information Seeking Behaviour of the Vegetable Farmers
4.2.4 Determining the Information Needs of the Vegetable Farmers
4.2.5 Exploring the Information Sources of the Vegetable Farmers
4.2.6 Exploring the Information Channels of the Vegetable Farmers
4.2.7 Determining Sources/Channels Selection Criteria of the Farmers
4.2.8 Determining the Factors that Influence the Vegetable Farmers’ ISB
4.2.9 Vegetable Farmers’ Opinions on the Current Information Systems
5 Results and Discussion
5.1 Demographic Profile of the Respondent Farmers
5.2 Quantitmive Evaluation of the Proposed Model
5.2.1 Data Screening and Reliability Testing
5.2.2 Relationships between Information Needs and Activating Factors
5.2.3 Relationships between the Information Needs and Intervening Variables
5.2.4 The Relationship between ISB and Information Needs
5.2.5 The Relationship between ISB and Channel Characteristics
5.2.6 Relationships between ISB and Intervening Variables
5.3.Qualitative Evaluation of the Proposed Model
5.4 Comments on the Synthesized Model and Guidelines for Use
5.5 Information Seeking Pattem of Vegetable Farmers in Sri Lanka
5.5.1 General Telecommunication Use of the Vegetable Farmers
5.5.2 The Extent of Informational Need of the Vegetable Farmers
5.5.3 The Extent of Information Seeking Behaviour of the Vegetable Farmers
5.5.4 Types of Informational Needs of the Vegetable Farmers
5.5.5 Information Sources of the Vegetable Farmers
5.5.6 Information Channels of the Vegetable Farmers
5.5.7 Sources/Channels Selection Criteria of the Vegetable Farmers
5.5.8 Factors that Affect on the Vegetable Farmers’ ISB
5.5.9 Farmers’ Opinions on Current Information Systems in the Country
6 Conclusions and Implications
6.1.1 Developing a Model of Farmers’ ISB
6.1.2 Exploring the ISB of the Vegetable Farmers in Sri Lanka
6.2 Theoretical Implications
6.3 Practical Implications
6.4 Study Limitations and Implications for Future Research
References
Appendix
Acknowledgement
About the Author
大连理工大学;