How can we think about this study in terms of HIB theory? Dervin’s sense-making methodology fits well with Nagler ‘s findings. Multivariate linear regression showed that demographics had no significant effect on information seeking behavior, rather, it was cancer type and stage that correlated (p.S56). The situation of the individual, i.e. the type of cancer they suffer from and the stage of that cancer, was the determining factor in where and when they sought supplementary healthcare information. Another applicable work is that of Wilson’s “Second Hand Knowledge.” In this book, Wilson introduces the concept of cognitive authority.
“Some people know what they are talking about, others do not. Those who do are my cognitive authorities” (p. 13). 37.6% of patients in the study “sought exclusively from their treating doctors and/or other doctors or health professionals” (Nagler et.al. p. S57). This indicates that the only source they were willing to grant cognitive authority to was one associated with the field of health care, and available for face-to-face interaction. Such a source had absolute authority (Wilson 18). For the majority of cancer patients though, information was sought from three sources: medical, interpersonal, and media, all of which they considered credible to a certain extent.
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