Abstract: The experimental method has become a significant research approach in the field of information behavior, and its academic value has been widely acknowledged. This paper analyzes the characteristics, limitations, and future directions of the experimental method in information behavior research, providing insights for its further development in this domain. The analysis focuses on literature published in SSCI and CSSCI (including the extended edition) journals, encompassing a total of 180 relevant articles. Using content analysis, the paper examines four key aspects: types of information behavior, types of experiments, experimental procedures, and research outcomes. The findings reveal a rich and long-tailed distribution of information behavior types and diverse data collection methods. However, the analysis also highlights limitations, such as the prevalence of homogeneous experimental settings and participant groups. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a framework for the application of the experimental method in information behavior research and explores future directions for experimental studies in the digital and intelligent era.

Key words: Experimental method, Information behavior research, Content analysis, Application characteristics, Development trend