| The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of human variation on people's perspectives about, and approaches to, the activity of information searching, on the topic of health. This research employed an interpretive epistemological approach which consisted of a three-part mixed method study. The study was comprised of a user search task, an individual differences questionnaire, and in-depth interviews with 15 Black and 15 White participants in central Pennsylvania and southern Maryland. It was found that differences such as race, gender, age, socio economic class, and geographic location all influence searching behavior. However, it was also found that these factors work together, to influence behavior, rather than independently. Therefore, it is suggested that researchers of health information searching behavior look at the intersection of characteristics rather than single attributes of individuals. Also, the Internet was found to augment traditional information resources instead of acting as the central information resource. This finding is supported by factors which were found to be mediators of health information searching such as personal social networks, trust, and frustration. Lastly, stereotypes were challenged as participants in the study exhibited behaviors which were contradictory to research about Internet experience and searching. This research has made a contribution to theory, to the literature, to methodology, and to practice. The contribution to theory has been developed through the support for and extension of the explanatory power of the Individual Differences Theory of Gender and IT. The findings in this study showed evidence that users of technology have rich and unique experiences, backgrounds and beliefs, which impacted their usage of technology. In addition, the findings in this research project enhance knowledge about health information sources and their importance in the lives of individuals with chronic illnesses. This research contributed to the knowledge base on methodology as a mixed-methodology study which utilized an interpretive epistemology. Lastly, this research contributed to practice through the development of a research process which can be used as a technique to inform personas. |
