Unfolding social learning parameters behind the selection of information sources against cyclones: A perspective of information seeking behavior research

The impact of social learning on disaster management has been widely studied. However, few studies have investigated the key attributes of social learning that impact the selection of preferred information sources about coastal cyclones. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to collect data by conducting 35 in-person interviews and a survey of 323 participants of Sundarban, a coastal region of West Bengal, India. Descriptive statistics helped to identify preferred information sources, whereas, structural equation modelling revealed four social learning attributes, namely Quality, Scale, Attachment with Place and Learning Process, having an impact on participants' information source preferences during a disaster. In-depth analysis of interview data suggested four indicators, i.e., Credibility, Availability, Accuracy and Frequency, that an individual considered when prioritizing within selected sources. The findings offer guidelines to officials for using the most useful sources and information dissemination approaches to inform vulnerable populations in the event of a disaster.