Understanding Drivers and Effects of Real-Time Information Seeking on Meningitis Knowledge and Attitudes

This study took a lab-based approach to test both the drivers and effects of information seeking, in the context of meningitis. Participants (N = 107) answered a survey where they indicated their actual knowledge, perceived knowledge insufficiency (i.e. the gap between perceived and desired knowledge), and attitudes regarding meningitis. They were then given the opportunity to seek information online, and those who sought information (n = 83) answered a post-seeking survey. The results showed that perceived knowledge insufficiency and attitudes significantly predicted information seeking intention which, in turn, was related to actual decision to seek information. Additionally, those who sought information reported increased actual knowledge and decreased perceived knowledge insufficiency. Findings from this study have important implications for information behavior theory and provide valuable insights into where communicators might intervene with messages to promote information acquisition.