Systematizing Web Search Through A Meta-Cognitive, Systems-Based, Information Structuring Model (McSIS)

Abstract

This paper proposes a meta-cognitive, systems-based, information structuring model (McSIS) to systematize online information search behavior based on literature review of information-seeking models. The General Systems Theory’s (GST) prepositions serve as its framework. Factors influencing information-seekers, such as the individual learning styles of Field Independence and Field Dependence (FI/FD); Holist, Serialist (H/S), and Problem-Focused vs. Emotion-Focused (PF/EF) problem-solving approaches, and individual or personal domain knowledge, are incorporated in the model. An example demonstrating the model is presented along with recommendations for educators and researchers.