One of the most useful and interesting aspects of Kuhlthau’s work is that her findings are the result of field observations in which she focused on examining the attitudes and behaviors of students during the research process.
She finds that although students often start a project with enthusiasm and initial success, they often become confused and uncertain as they progress. Kuhlthau asserts this dip in confidence is a natural aspect of the research process, but unfortunately people at this stage often feel anxious and alone which may even cause them to give up on their inquiry.
To combat this dip, Kuhthau utilizes Zygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development theory to plot the needed intervention. The Zone of Proximal Development is the time at which students are most in need of help in order to proceed. Kuhlthau employs the uncertainty principle to formulate states of intervention which posit five different levels of scaffolding needed to facilitate students’ work when they reach the Zone of Proximal Development.
Information Search Process Stages and Accompanying Affective Processes
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Kuhlthau’s model evinces concern for students’ emotions and feelings throughout the research process, recognizing emotions as integral to effective performance. As such, her theory and stages of intervention are prudent to take into consideration as educators approaching students and to alert students of to ease their anxiety regarding the research process.
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