Module 5 Lectures

On the first lecture, modes of scanning were interesting to me. I think that some people take all four steps when they make a decision, but some people would decide based on limited information.

When I bought my car, I carefully watched TV commercials, searched on the Internet, asked around my friends about their cars and their favorite auto shops. I took the four steps, and did formal search for a few weeks.

On the other hand, my friend stopped by an auto shop on the way back from grocery shopping the other day, and she immediately bought a car there. She did not compare prices in different shops nor look up on the Internet about the average price. She sold her old car when she got the car, and she did not even done undirected viewing about selling her car. When she called her husband about buying a car from the auto shop, he agreed with it without any type of searching.

My friend knows how to use the Internet, has a TV, and has friends to ask around. She told me that she thought it could be a waste of time to do those things. When I reflect the experience, I realize that user’s image of the world and conceptual state of knowledge affect people’s searching behaviors.

On the second lecture, I learned great things from berrypicking model of information behavior. When I was doing research at work, I did not like myself when the initial query changes or evolves over time as different information is encountered along the way. I thought these behaviors came from my lack of searching skill.

I am glad to learn that the information behavior or information search does not happen in a straight line on berrypicking model of information behavior. I think the model is well explained about tendencies. I believe it is important to be known for all information seekers about berry picking model of information behavior.

In the lecture, Dr. Roland said that “we need to realize that we are never going to be able to create the perfect information system that will meet everyone’s needs for 100%.” I agree with him. When I created a database when I was working, I tried to create one that meets everyone’s needs. I worked very hard to find a way that everyone can satisfy the database; however, I realized it was impossible. I believe that it is important to focus the uses of an information system when it is created.