Value and uncertainty in information seeking : resolution of complex work tasks in an educational environment.

In the research model the information seeking process is seen as a dynamic development to reduce
uncertainty or increase the value through four stages until the problem is solved. The results showed a
surprising progress of the uncertainty stages. The hypothesis that the information seeking process reduces
uncertainty through the four stages: 'problem recognition', 'problem definition', 'problem resolution' and
'solution statement' until the problem is solved can be rejected since there is no significant decrease in
uncertainty level from stage 1 to 4. The hypothesis about the connection between the individual information
seeker and the social and organizational environment was confirmed. A set of the most important core
relevance criteria were applied. All kind o f information source types were included.
The research developed a cognitive sociology model o f information seeking. The research used a mixed
methodology with a combination o f qualitative and quantitative methods which complemented each other.
Empirical data from 2002-06 in the social sciences and applied sciences domains were based on 14 case
studies and 60 participants from a survey following the case study. The participants were dissertation students
focusing on their dissertation from a UK research-led university in different departments and an IT university
in Denmark.