Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 M.A., Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
The user, or the human agent, plays a primary and fundamental role in designing information retrieval systems (Hudlicka, 2003). This is because the information-seeking process is an interactive one, and humans possess their own specific complexities. Characteristics such as intelligence, experience, motivation, etc., can influence individuals' information searching (Marchionini, 1989). Therefore, understanding users is important. In this context, in recent years, within the field of Information Science and Knowledge Studies, and particularly in information retrieval, researchers have endeavored to study the impact of concepts related to cognitive distortions, such as cognitive biases (Lau & Coiera, 2007; Rashidi, 2017; Bahimehr, 2018; and Gomroki et al., 2021) on user behavior. Considering the importance of studying cognitive distortions, as well as the significance of cognitive variables and cultural differences in the field of information retrieval, and given that graduate students are one of the primary user groups who engage more extensively in scientific information retrieval compared to other user groups due to their demographic characteristics and numerous academic needs, this research intends to investigate the issue of cognitive distortions.
Research Question(s)
The main question of the present research is: According to Ellis's ten-fold classification of cognitive distortions, which cognitive distortions do graduate students at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad experience during the different stages of information retrieval (pre-search, during search, and post-search)?
Literature Review
The topic of cognitive distortions has not yet been addressed in information retrieval research. In related and similar topics, namely cognitive biases, some researchers (Lau & Coiera, 2007; White, 2013; Gomroki et al., 2021) have conducted studies, and in all these studies, the need for further research has been mentioned. The research by Lau and Coiera (2007) examined the cognitive biases of confirmation bias, order effect, and mere exposure effect on decision-making during information search through retrospective and prospective analysis, and found that individuals may experience these biases during information search, affecting their correct or incorrect decision-making. White's (2013) study focused on the relationship between beliefs and cognitive biases in web information seeking. The main finding of this research indicated that biases can have a detrimental effect on information retrieval in search engines.
Methodology
In terms of method, the present research is a survey study that adopted a quantitative approach to data collection. The statistical population of this research consisted of graduate students (Master's and PhD) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. For data collection, three researcher-made questionnaires based on the ten introduced cognitive distortions were used. In this regard, after reviewing the literature and interviewing information retrieval experts, these three questionnaires were designed. To confirm the content validity of each questionnaire, the opinions of experts in information retrieval and psychology were used, and confirmatory factor analysis was employed to confirm construct validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to assess the reliability of the research instruments.
Findings
The research findings indicated that users did not experience specific cognitive distortions in information retrieval. The extent of employing cognitive distortions differed among users before starting the search and information retrieval, with the use of the "magnification" distortion being higher compared to other distortions. Also, during the search, the extent of employing cognitive distortions differed among users, with the use of the "magnification" distortion being higher compared to other distortions. After the search and information retrieval, the extent of employing cognitive distortions also differed among users, and the use of the "overgeneralization" distortion was observed to be higher compared to other distortions.
Conclusion
The occurrence of cognitive distortions in information retrieval, although present to some extent in some distortions, was not complete. What is considered the main factor in this regard is the research population and the relative stability of cognitive distortions, which has led to this finding. However, it should be noted that even this limited presence of some cognitive distortions could lead to deficiencies in information retrieval and, consequently, their dissatisfaction. Librarians' attention to information literacy training can pave the way for users to master information retrieval skills and ultimately protect the user from some cognitive distortions, such as "should" statements or overgeneralization. The existence of a relationship between users' cognitive distortions in different stages of information retrieval also indicates that although some distortions have varying intensity in different stages, their presence in individual’s leads to their manifestation in all stages. Therefore, efforts to eliminate these distortions will result in the individual not manifesting that distortion in the stages, and its positive impact on their information behavior will become evident. However, it should be noted that if an individual suffers from cognitive distortions, the groundwork for addressing them should be prepared with the help of psychology specialists. Librarians' engagement with the cognitive aspects of information retrieval can manifest not only in research domains (a clear example is the many collaborative works librarians have done with psychologists) but also in practical domains. Paying attention to demographic variables in the manifestation of cognitive distortions in information retrieval is another important factor that should be considered. These variables manifest more prominently in societies with (social, cultural, etc.) diversity and require more study and attention. Cognitive distortions, due to having more tangible manifestations in individuals' daily behaviors, can be influenced by these factors, and this influence is more pronounced among individuals with specific cultural, social, financial, and psychological backgrounds; although it is also noteworthy that cognitive distortions exist among all members of society, but this varies in intensity.
Acknowledgments
The researchers deem it necessary to thank the Vice Presidency for Research and Technology of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for their financial support of the research project with code 58108/3.
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