The dispositions for information seeking combine in a matrix to create four modes of information seeking:
- Searching
- Monitoring
- Browsing
- Being Aware

Modes of Information Seeking

A user has a directed disposition when they are seeking specific information (as opposed to undirected).

San Jose State University

These dispositions describe a user's degree of engagement with the information seeking process:
- Active
- Passive
- Directed
- Undirected

Dispositions for Information Seeking

Bates, M. J. (2002). Toward an integrated model of information seeking and searching. New Review of Information Behaviour Research, 3, 1-15, from https://pages.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/bates/articles/info_SeekSearch-i-030329.html

Toward an Integrated Model of Information Seeking and Searching

A user has an active disposition when they intend to find information (as opposed to a passive disposition).

Active Disposition for Information Seeking

A user has a passive disposition (as opposed to an active disposition) when they do not actively seek information but are available to accept it.

Passive Disposition for Information Seeking

Directed Disposition for Information Seeking

A user has an undirected disposition (as opposed to a directed disposition) when they are seeking information without a specific item in mind.

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Related

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