Effect of the Level of Information Literacy on Information-Seeking Behavior and Republishing Information on Social Networks (Case Study: Graduate Students of Razi University)

This study aimed to investigate the level of information literacy in the behavior of information-seeking and republishing information in social networks among graduate students of Razi University, Kermanshah.

 The research method was applied in terms of purpose was a survey one, and the statistical population of the research included all postgraduate students of the fields studying in the affiliated faculties of Razi University, which has a sample size of 217 people and using Sampling Method Stratified randomization was determined. The research tool included a consolidated questionnaire in two parts information literacy and information accuracy in republishing information in the virtual space; Cronbach's alpha was estimated at 0.78. The normality of the research variables was checked by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to test the research hypotheses, the research hypotheses were analyzed using the necessary tests. SPSS.26 software was used for data analysis.

 The findings of the research show that the average level of information literacy of graduate students of Razi University was at an average level, although the level of education of the respondents was significantly related to this level of information literacy, and the doctoral students all had an average level of literacy. The information was high. However, gender does not have a significant effect on the level of students' information literacy. Also, a significant relationship was observed between the level of information literacy and the components of data documentation and data health in the accuracy of information republished in the virtual space, but there was no significant relationship in the components of examining the expertise of the message narrator.

 In explaining the obtained results and the high level of the information need detection component, it can be claimed that the ability to detect the information needs and determine the extent and location of information plays a key role in strengthening the students' abilities. Regarding the components of critical evaluation of information, which was obtained with a lower average than other components of information literacy, it can be said that by increasing the ability to critically evaluate information, the diagnostic capabilities in republishing information of individuals also increase. The ability to critically evaluate information with skills such as the ability of reviewing and comparing information obtained from different sources, to determine the validity and correctness of the information, to detect the presence of fraud and manipulation in information causes the ability to analyze and review different and contradictory views. The set of these skills leads the students to have possibility to ensure the correctness and ability to use the information correctly. Also, improving the level of information literacy among students can help to increase the accuracy and correctness of the information republished in cyberspace. In general, the current situation of information literacy of graduate students of Razi University of Kermanshah is at a desirable level. However, since a significant relationship between the level of information literacy and the accuracy of information was reported in the republishing of information in cyberspace, it is possible to take necessary measures to increase the level of information literacy in master's degree students or even lower education levels, which will improve the performance of students. To develop knowledge and improve the accuracy of republished messages in cyberspace among students. It is suggested that the necessary decisions should be taken by high policymakers to design, implement, and evaluate information literacy for university professors, so that professors, along with presenting their specialized courses, also transfer the necessary skills related to information literacy to students.