Analysis of the relationship of certain social science and humanities theories with information behavior

The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze the relationship between some social science and humanities theories and information behavior.
This study is of an analytical review and descriptive type. In this research, articles and books related to the topics under investigation have been reviewed and analyzed.
Findings: Major theories related with and used in information behavior studies are mainly originated from social science and humanities areas, namely Sociology, Mass Communication, and Psychology. It is essential to use these theories to conduct original research in the field of information behavior.
Due to the fact that human being is a socialized creature and because of the nature of behavior, the studies in the field of information behavior including information needs, information searching, information seeking, and information use, have to use major theories related to information behavior. These theories are originated from humanities and social sciences; the most common of them from sociology, psychology, and mass communication. Using these theories enriches the studies of information behavior as well as enables the researchers to better analyze users’ information behavior. It also paves the path to improve information systems.