Knowledge as a Feeling: How Neuroscience and Psychology Impact Human Information Behavior

The impact of misinformation and disinformation, along with the polarization of society into competing information factions, calls for new understandings of our relationships to information. Advances in neuroscience and psychology shed new light on how the brain processes information, emphasizing that the mind is not a unified whole but a network of networks constructing reality to anticipate needs. Knowledge is not a rational process but centers around the feeling of knowing, which assumes a group context and offers a social epistemological stance that judges knowledge within this group context. The feeling of knowing has significant implications for information science, challenging theoreticians and practitioners to reconsider how individuals process information. It also offers a fuller picture of conscious and unconscious processing in the production of knowledge and sheds light on how individuals evaluate information and synthesize new sources into their existing knowledge. Ultimately, the feeling of knowing leads us toward new reflective and metacognitive tools that help meet this moment in the evolution of our information ecosystem.

Format: Hardback
Length: 326 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Information science theory often posits a notion of rationality in how individuals perceive and interpret their surroundings. However, the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation, coupled with the growing polarization of society into distinct information factions, necessitates a fresh perspective on our relationships with information. Recent advancements in neuroscience and psychology have illuminated the intricate mechanisms through which the brain processes information, employing both conscious and unconscious systems. In the realm of neuroscience, the prevailing theory emphasizes that the mind is not a singular entity but rather a complex network of networks that collaboratively construct reality to fulfill our needs. Knowledge, rather than being a purely rational pursuit, revolves around the subjective experience of knowing, which emerges as the net result of various brain processes competing for attention. This feeling of knowing assumes a collective context and takes a social epistemological stance, evaluating knowledge within the confines of this group. By integrating knowledge into groups, power dynamics emerge, enabling collaborative endeavors but also potentially privileging certain individuals over others.

The significance of the feeling of knowing extends far beyond the realm of information science. It profoundly impacts information behavior by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the conscious and unconscious processes involved in knowledge production. In the context of information literacy, the feeling of knowing sheds light on how individuals evaluate information, discern its credibility, and integrate it into their existing knowledge frameworks. Ultimately, this feeling of knowing serves as a catalyst for developing new reflective and metacognitive tools that can help navigate the ever-evolving information ecosystem. As we confront the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and societal polarization, it is crucial to reevaluate our relationships with information and embrace the feeling of knowing as a guiding principle. By doing so, we can foster a more informed, empathetic, and inclusive society that leverages the power of knowledge to drive positive change.

Weight: 631g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538178928