Need for Cognition and Its Effect on Student's Information Behavior

This survey aimed to investigate the effect of student's need for cognition (NFC) on their information behavior (IB) based on their demographic variables. Out of 19965 students enrolled in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during the academic year of 2010-2011, 364 students were selected by using stratified random sampling method. They were asked to complete the "need for cognition scale" and the "information behavior questionnaire". Findings showed that the subject's NFC rates were significantly different based on their academic areas and levels. There was a significant relationship between the subject's NFC and IB. The student's information behavior was significantly different based on their NFC levels. As a consequence, student's NFC has an effect on their IB.