Which factor influences the zone of intervention in information seeking according to Kuhlthau?

Which factor influences the zone of intervention in information seeking according to Kuhlthau?

• A. The complexity of the task
• B. The budget available for resources
• C. The age of the user
• D. The device used to access information

Answer: (A)

In Kuhlthau's information search process, the level of guidance a librarian provides—the zone of intervention—depends on how complex the information task is. When a task is complex, students feel more uncertainty and need more structured support to plan, search, refine topics, and evaluate sources. That increased need for guidance expands the zone where intervention is appropriate and helpful. Simpler tasks require less intervention because the learner can navigate with less instruction. Budget, age, or device affect access or resources, but they don’t determine how much guidance is needed in the information-seeking process.

In Kuhlthau's information search process, the level of guidance a librarian provides—the zone of intervention—depends on how complex the information task is. When a task is complex, students feel more uncertainty and need more structured support to plan, search, refine topics, and evaluate sources. That increased need for guidance expands the zone where intervention is appropriate and helpful. Simpler tasks require less intervention because the learner can navigate with less instruction. Budget, age, or device affect access or resources, but they don’t determine how much guidance is needed in the information-seeking process.