Influence of Gender Difference on Information-seeking Behaviour of the Students

Abstract

This study was an attempt to assess whether gender as a variable is associated with the information-seeking behaviour of post-graduate students. A descriptive survey research design used for study, and data were collected with the help of a structured questionnaire. A total of 378 questionnaires were returned out of a total of 464 that were sent out. Most components of information seeking behaviour were shown to be significantly different between males and females. Findings of the study showed that gender influenced the frequency of library visits, the goal of seeking information, information sources consulted, and the purposes of library visits as the calculated P-values for all these aspects, i.e.,.0037,. 0044, .0029, .0026 respectively are less than the significance level of.01. while not significantly associated with the amount of time students spend in the library, internet usage for specific purposes, browsing of various eresources, and the extent of e-resource usage, as the calculated P-value for these aspects is higher than the significance level (0.10). The findings could have implications for psychological study and practise, particularly in the areas of educational institutions, library science, cognitive development, and training and performance appraisal.