Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice

Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (한국과학기술정보연구원 과학기술정보센터)
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The Impact of Socio-Demographic Characteristics on Amulet Collectors' Information-Seeking Behaviours

  • Jaturong Chitiyaphol (Department of Information Science, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Khon Kaen University) ;
  • Kanyarat Kwiecien (Department of Information Science, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Khon Kaen University) ;
  • Vispat Chaichuay (Department of Information Science, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Khon Kaen University)
  • Received : 2024.04.18
  • Accepted : 2024.06.04
  • Published : 2024.12.30
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Abstract

Thailand's amulet business is a Buddhist commercial sector with substantial economic importance. As a result, many individuals interested in purchasing religious items seek information to guide their buying decisions. This study aims to evaluate whether various personal characteristics of information seekers, such as gender, age, occupation, or field of study, influence their behaviour when looking for information about Thai amulets. Survey research was conducted with 375 respondents interested in amulets. The online quiz was based on the Ellis Information Behaviour Model. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests, chi-squared analysis, analysis of variance, and structural equation modelling, to evaluate differences in information-seeking behaviour based on gender, age, educational background, and occupation. The findings revealed that personal characteristics such as gender, age, occupation, and field of study result in diverse information-seeking behaviours, confirming the study's hypothesis. The study also revealed that many information seekers prefer to learn from personal sources such as credible experts or online social networking sites. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation indicated that men gender, age between 21 and 30 years, and an academic career all had a positive relationship with information-seeking behaviour. Academic career variables have the most influence on amulet collectors' information-seeking behaviour. The research results will benefit future information services or information search systems for disseminating information about amulets in response to client behaviour and information requirements.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was funded by the Digital Humanities Research Group at Khon Kaen University.

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