Abstract

HERNANDEZ SALAZAR, Patricia. A cognitive approach to the information user phenomenon. Investig. bibl [online]. 2013, vol.27, n.61, pp.107-131. ISSN 2448-8321.

The information user as a phenomenon has been studied from a practical standpoint, frequently considered a collateral issue in the organization paradigm; though it is in fact an interdisciplinary phenomenon, which can be examined using a cognitive approach. The objective of this paper is to advance the cognitive approach, entailing users' thought processes, as a theoretical basis for explaining the phenomenon of information users. To this end, three main topic areas are discussed: 1) cognitive sciences, with special regard to cognitive psychology, which is the basis of this approach; 2) the thought process procedure we call categorization, which underpins a subject's information needs and behaviors, and 3) the body of cognitive approach research focusing on users. Avenues for further research are offered in the conclusions.

Keywords : Information users; Cognitive approach.