A descriptive model of Information Problem Solving while using Internet

Abstract

This paper presents the IPS-I-model: a model that describes the process of Information Problem Solving (IPS) in which the Internet (I) is used for searching information. The IPS-I-model is based on three studies, in which students in secondary and (post) higher education were asked to solve information problems, while thinking aloud. In-depth analyses of the thinking-aloud protocols revealed that the IPS-process consists of five constituent skills: (a) define information problem, (b) search information, (c) scan information, (d) process information, and (e) organize and present information. Further the studies revealed that for the on-going IPS-process regulation skills prove to be crucial. The IPS-I-model depicts both the constituent skills, regulation skills, and important conditional skills. The model gives an initial impetus for designing IPS-instruction.