Information Search Process Stages and Domains Model 

Through each stage of the Information Search Process, users are likely navigating certain feelings including uncertainty, interest, or confidence. 

The Affective Experience in Information Search Process

Through each stage of the Information Search Process, users are likely navigating certain feelings including uncertainty, interest, or confidence.

Through each stage of the Information Search Process, users engage their cognitive process using their personal knowledge and interpretations of the information content.

The Cognitive Experience in Information Search Process

Through each stage of the Information Search Process, users perform actions that direct their search process like clicking on certain sources over others, using hyperlinks, engaging filters, etc..

The Physical Experience in Information Search Process

The ISP model identifies three domains of experience common to each stage: 
- the affective (feelings)
- the cognitive (thoughts)
- the physical (actions)

San Jose State University

The information search process (ISP) is a six-stage model of a user’s process while information seeking.

Information Search Process (ISP)

Kuhlthau, C. (2019). Information Search Process. Rutgers University.    https://wp.comminfo.rutgers.edu/ckuhlthau/information-search-process/ 

Information Search Process

1- Initiation

2- Selection

3- Exploration

4- Formulation

5- Collection

6- Presentation



Stages of the Information Search Process

Here are four instructional models to assist users/students in their information search process (ISP). Kuhlthau identified three approaches. 

- The Source Approach
- The Pathfinder Approach
- The Process Models Approach
- Sheingold's Inquiry Model 

Modes of Information Literacy Instruction for ISP

Uncertainty as a state that causes feelings of anxiety and lack of confidence is expected at the beginning of the Information Search Process and are related to having only vague ideas about a topic or question to further the search. There are six corollaries to this principle.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After