Correlation Analysis of the Relationship between Demographic Variables, Computer Self-Efficacy, and Information-Seeking Behavior of Nigerian University Students

Abstract

The study evaluated demographic variables, computer self-efficacy, and informationseeking behavior of undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. The study used a descriptive survey design of the correlational type, and the instrument for collecting data was a questionnaire. Undergraduates of the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria constitute the unit of analysis and their population stood at 45,885. Multi-stage sampling techniques that include stratified and purposive sampling were adopted. The sampling size was set at 394, but 366 returned questionnaires were found useful for analysis. The result of findings on the level of computer self-efficacy among undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin indicated that students are highly versed in using computers as a tool, sorting out information from search results, knowing how to access information databases and information repositories, and easily finding the information they need with their computer skills. On students’ information-seeking behavior, most users agreed that they consult the library when seeking information that could assist them in their course of study and academic program, and they are willing to pay for relevant information and always check for currency and relevance of the information sources they’re using. There is a strong and significant positive relationship between computer self-efficacy and informationseeking behavior. There is no significant relationship between demographic variables and computer self-efficacy. Likewise, there was no significant relationship between demographic variables and information-seeking behavior.

Keywords

• Computer self-efficacy
• information-seeking behavior
• demographic variables
• undergraduate students

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