<$BlogRSDUrl$> Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant
Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant
Internet Happenings, Events and Sources


Friday, November 21, 2003  

Personality Determines How We Search
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/11/10/1068329472603.html

We have more information at our fingertips than any generation before us, yet there is little evidence that our ability to make good decisions has improved in correlation. Instead, many people find it increasingly difficult to separate good information from bad. The goal of improving information literacy is one that a number of countries have established, and broad-based information literacy training will certainly help. But one researcher has found that personality plays a big role in the development of information literacy. In her study last year, Fast Surfers, Broad Scanners and Deep Divers, on how personality affects our ability to find and absorb information, information literacy researcher Jannica Heinstrom found that "personality and approach to studying influence (our) information-seeking habits.” She finds the neurotic, easily distracted and lazy "Fast Surfers" have difficulty formulating searches and then interpreting what they find. "Deep Divers" are identified by their willingness to consider viewpoints and link ideas. Strategic thinkers, or "Broad Scanners," are conscientious and have clear goals. The last two categories are highly motivated, Heinstrom says, and often able to find the information they seek, although for different reasons. While discipline and education can improve the way information sources are used once located, Heinstrom concludes that "personality (will) create boundaries and unique possibilities for the way information seeking is executed."

posted by Marcus Zillman | 2:43 PM
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