The process of information seeking when a searcher pursues new understanding and meaning of a topic during the search. The process can be experienced in a series of thoughts and feelings that start out vague and anxious to more clear and confidence as the search progresses.

Process Corollary of the Principle of Uncertainty

In the formulation stage, a pivotal point of the Information Search Process, a searcher is asked to engage in reflexive thinking about information already encountered to formulate further searching and formulate a focus for the remainder of the search

Formulation Corollary of the Principle of Uncertainty

When redundant information is found during the Information Search Process, the searcher can easily identify if the information is relevant or not. New information that extends previous knowledge is recognized as helpful. If too much redundant information is encountered, a searcher may experience boredom. However, too much new information can cause anxiety in the searcher. 

Redundancy Corollary of the Principle of Uncertainty

The mood (or attitude) a person assumes can either help open the range of possibilities for a search or can close and hinder a search. Having an open and invitational mood in the beginning of the search leads to a more fulfilling search process. Having an indicative mood leads to closure in the search process. A searcher can begin a search in an invitational mood and finish a search in an indicative mood.

Mood Corollary of the Principle of Uncertainty

Embedded into the Information Search Process is a set of personal choices by the searcher based on their prediction of what will happen if a specific action is taken. These predictions can be predicated on past experiences about what sources or type of information is the most helpful. 

Prediction Corollary of the Principle of Uncertainty

Interest increases as the Information Search Process is completed. Personal interest of the searcher is expected to increase as uncertainty about a topic decreases. As interest grows, so does motivation

Interest Corollary of the Principle of Uncertainty

The six corollaries that expand the principle of uncertainty are:

1- Process Corollary

2- Formulation Corollary

3- Redundancy Corollary

4- Mood Corollary

5- Prediction Corollary

6- Interest Corollary


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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.

Principle of Uncertainty for Information Seeking

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

Information Search Process

The Six Corollaries of the Principle of Uncertainty for Information Seeking

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