The relationship between Information Literacy and Information Literacy Self-Efficacy and Students’ Academic and Research Achievement

چکیده مقاله

Abstract Background: Information literacy is known to be people‟s ability in locating, evaluating, and using information effectively. Information literacy self-efficacy refers to people‟s competence and self-confidence in using their information literacy. Aim: Considering the important role of information literacy and information literacy self-efficacy, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between information literacy and information literacy self-efficacy, in one hand, and academic achievement, mastery of research software, and research score, in the other hand, among students. Method: The statistical population included all students studying at the University of Kashan, Iran, out of whom 350 students (200 BA and 150 MA/MSc students) were chosen through stratified sampling using Krejcie & Morgan Table. The respondents filled out Mittermeyer, and Quirion‟s Information literacy scale and Kurbanoglu, Akkoyunlu, and Umay, information literacy self-efficacy scale, provided their Grade Point average (GPA) and information about their research activities, and answered demographic questions. Pearson Correlation Test was run in SPSS (Version 22) to analyze the data. Results: The results showed there is a statistically significant positive relationship between information literacy and information literacy self-efficacy, in one hand, and academic achievement, mastery of research software, and research score among students. Conclusion: Considering students‟ statistically significant lower than average information literacy and their higher than average information literacy self-efficacy, it seems necessary to hold classes to enhance students‟ skills in writing research papers and improving their information literacy and academic achievement.