Perceptions of information literacy competencies among future psychology professionals: a comparative study in Spain and Portugal

Purpose The aim of the study is to analyze the perceptions of belief-in-importance (BI), self-efficacy (SE) and preferred source of learning (SL) of information literacy (IL) competencies among psychology students in Spain and Portugal. Design/methodology/approach Unified protocol was based on the questionnaire IL-HUMASS (26 items). Quantitative diagnostic-comparative study was carried out, including factor and variance analysis. Hypothesis compliance was checked. Findings By country, there are no significant differences in students' perceptions, although the scores in BI are higher than in SE. By category, there are some significant differences, and the least valued is that of processing. By individual competency, seven of them show differences between countries. Learning preferences are for a mix of classroom and autonomous learning. Students barely realize the value of libraries. Within factor structures, which share the same components in each dimension, some emerging factors do appear. Practical implications Motivation (BI and SE) with respect to IL competencies is a key asset for future psychologists. Interest should focus on some emerging motivational factors. Students' appreciation of the library should enhance through the corresponding initiatives for improvement. This method could be complemented by qualitative studies. Originality/value This is probably the first diagnostic-comparative study on perceptions of IL competencies among future psychology professionals.

Automated summary

This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of belief-in-importance (BI), self-efficacy (SE), and preferred source of learning (SL) of information literacy (IL) competencies among psychology students in Spain and Portugal. The findings indicated no significant differences in students' perceptions by country, but differences were found in categories and individual competencies. Students preferred a mix of classroom and autonomous learning, and showed a lack of realization of the value of libraries. Future focus should be on enhancing students' appreciation of libraries through corresponding initiatives.