Toward cognition, affect, and conation: The design and use of neuroscience in information behavior studies

Abstract Neuroscience has emerged as a transformative methodology in information behavior research, offering novel insights into the mental processes and neural mechanisms that underlie human interactions with information. However, as neuroscience applications in this domain are still in their early stages, a comprehensive understanding of how these methods can advance our knowledge of information behavior remains limited and poses a significant challenge for interdisciplinary research. This systematic review examined the literature on neuroscience applications in information behavior research spanning 2007–2024. We identify publication trends, journals, and key concepts, and we delineate the prevalent neuroscience modalities, experimental design paradigms, and analytical methods employed in current studies. Drawing on the cognition‐affect‐conation theory, we established correlations between neuroscience measurements and the mental processes involved in information behavior, thus offering a valuable framework for researchers in this field. Furthermore, this study proposes a comprehensive agenda encompassing methodological, analytical, theoretical, and thematic dimensions for future research to advance the development of Neuro‐Information Behavior as a distinct field of inquiry.