The effect of context on information seeking across the span of initial interactions

Abstract

The level of uncertainty within a context was investigated as a possible influence on information seeking in interactions where subjects are forming first impressions of others. Analysis of types of questions asked others over the span of interactions in an ambiguous context revealed significantly more requests for demographic information than any other type of information. Over time, requests for demographic information decreased, while requests for opinions and attitudes increased. These trends were not as distinct in specific contexts. The effects were attributed to the increased need for uncertainty reduction in ambiguous contexts.