The Information Search Process (ISP) model describes the emotional, cognitive, and physical experiences individuals go through when seeking information. It consists of stages—Initiation, Selection, Exploration, Formulation, Collection, Presentation, and Assessment—where uncertainty typically decreases as more information is gathered, though this progression is not always linear. The model highlights how feelings of doubt and confusion can temporarily increase before clarity emerges, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and emotional awareness in managing research-related uncertainty.

Developing a self-reflective practice to recognize and understand the different emotions experienced throughout the research process can be beneficial in managing uncertainty. By acknowledging shifts in thoughts, feelings, and actions—and identifying coping strategies that help navigate these changes—students can cultivate a deeper awareness of both cognitive and emotional developments. Engaging curiosity about these experiences not only fosters resilience in academic research but also equips individuals with valuable skills to navigate the complexities of college and life.

Initiation	Selection	Exploration	Formulation	Collection	Presentation

Awareness of a lack of knowledge creates uncertainty and apprehension.	The topic is identified, shifting uncertainty to optimism.	Encountering inconsistent information increases confusion and doubt.	A focused perspective emerges, reducing uncertainty.	Relevant information is gathered, leading to deeper understanding.	New knowledge is applied or shared, concluding the process.

MODEL OF THE INFORMATION SEARCH PROCESS (ISP)

The model of the ISP describes users’ experience in the process of information seeking as a series of thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Stages of the ISP

	Initiation	Selection	Exploration	Formulation	Collection	Presentation	Assessment
Feelings (Affective)	Uncertainty	Optimism	Confusion, Frustration, Doubt	Clarity	Sense of direction, Confidence	Satisfaction or Disappointment	Sense of accomplishment
Thoughts (Cognitive)	Vague ────────────────────────→			Focused ──────────────────────→ (increased interest)			Increased self-awareness
Actions (Physical)		Seeking relevant information ──────────────────────→			Seeking pertinent information ──────────────────────→
	Exploring ──────────────────────→				Documenting ──────────────────────→

Uncertainty Reduction Curves in the Information Search Process

This diagram depicts potential uncertainty-reduction curves showing how feelings of uncertainty decrease as more information items are accessed. The graph shows five different patterns (Lines A-E) of how uncertainty may change throughout the research process:

Line A: Uncertainty drops quickly, halving with each item accessed, reaching low levels by the 6th item.
Line B: Uncertainty remains high until the 4th item, then gradually decreases, reaching midpoint by the 7th item.
Line C: A straight diagonal line showing steady decrease from high to low uncertainty.
Line D: Stair-step pattern with uncertainty dropping about 10% with each item accessed.
Line E: Non-linear pattern where uncertainty initially increases, drops, rises again, and finally decreases to zero by the 8th item.

Key takeaway: While uncertainty generally decreases as we explore more information, the journey isn't always linear. Sometimes uncertainty may temporarily increase before eventually dropping again.

Tips for staying engaged when feeling difficult emotions during research

Remember uncertainty is a known trigger of anxiety, and uncertainty drives the research process!
Cultivating curiosity about one's feelings, fears, and experiences will help manage anxiety about impending change and the unknown.
Engage curiosity by asking open-ended questions of yourself and others and by observing emotions without judgment can help reduce anxiety.
What we do, what we think, and how we feel will all change throughout the research process.

Barth, F. Diane, "Curiosity can help you cope with uncertainty." Psychology Today, March 2021. Date Accessed April 17, 2023. Read more

Video: Information Search Process

To view the video on the Information Search Process by Carol Kuhlthau, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gytquheF7Aw

Adapted from "Longitudinal Evidence of the Influence of the ISP on Information Workers.", by Carol Kuhlthau, 2018. Retrieved: https://wp.comminfo.rutgers.edu/ckuhlthau/information-search-process