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

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

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

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