Some Predictors of University Students’ Information Literacy

Abstract

The study investigated the predictive power of scientific literacy (SL), ICT use, self-concept, self-efficacy and motivation of 139 undergraduate university students on their information literacy (IL) before taking a compulsory credit-bearing IL course. Knowledge tests were administered for IL and SL, and questionnaires for ICT use and psychological factors. All predictors together accounted for 33.3% of the variance in the pre-test IL level. Significant positive predictors included SL and self-concept about learning, while external controlled motivation correlated negatively with IL. ICT tools and Internet confidence were poor predictors of IL. Internal motivation played a suppressor role in the model. The IL study course significantly improved the IL of students, with a mean difference of 16.38%; the students who scored poorly on the pre-test, benefited more than others.