Information search activity: An overview

Introduction. - This article exposes a brief history of information search models, from general and behavioural models to cognitive ones and presents recent theoretical advances in this research field. Literature findings. - Since the beginning of 1990s. many theoretical models have tried to describe and predict the human behaviours involved in the information search tasks, and specifically when this activity is performed in computer systems. Some of these models elaborated by psychologists have attempted to infer the cognitive processes involved. Discussion. - Information search can be considered as a complex cognitive activity that involves various individual (cognitive, affective), contextual and social factors. Conclusion. - We also suggest research issues to be developed in order to increase our knowledge in this area and we plead for further research on specific concepts depending on future and/or recent areas of interest. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.