Construct reliability and validity of the shortened version of the information-seeking behavior scale

Abstract

This study aimed to translate the information-seeking behavior scale from English to Thai, and to ascertain the construct reliability and validity of the scale. Data were collected from 664 undergraduate students in Thailand. The descriptive statistics were explored to see the extent to which various information sources are being used by undergraduate students. The researchers conducted Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for the 33 Likert-type items. Results from EFA suggested the elimination of some items and results from CFA confirmed the validity of the scales. The shortened version was comprised of three constructs: 'regulation activities when applying search strategies' (five items), 'regulation activities when evaluating information on websites' (four items), and 'referring to information' (four items). Educators and researchers may find this shortened version of the scale as a useful tool to assess students' information-seeking behavior. © 2017, IGI Global.