Uncertainty and information-seeking patterns: A test of competing hypotheses in the context of health care reform

ABSTRACT

This article integrates three uncertainty frameworks (i.e., uncertainty reduction, motivation to reduce uncertainty, predicted outcome value) to examine the relationship between uncertainty and information seeking in the context of health care reform. The study consisted of a pretest to assess model variables, tracking of online information seeking (by monitoring website use), and a posttest. Results indicate predicted outcome value theory is the best predictor of information seeking, which is subsequently associated with greater certainty and information recall. The data suggest uncertainty alone is not enough to motivate information seeking; individuals must perceive information to have appreciable value in order to spend time seeking it. Theoretical and practical applications, as well as avenues for future research, are presented.