Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2022

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Government Information Quarterly

Source ISSN

0740-624X

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/j.giq.2022.101677

Abstract

A substantial amount of freedom of information research exists, though a majority is focused on U.S. laws' outcomes and FOI's shortcomings. But little is known about who makes requests and why requests are made in the United States. The exploratory study addresses these gaps via a nationally representative survey across key demographic variables of 1116 U.S. residents. Analysis found advanced education to be a strong, positive predictor of FOI familiarity and request submission. Malegender and a belief that FOI improves government accountability were also found to be significant predictors of FOI knowledge and use. The survey sampled U.S. residents, but the results may have international application and suggest continued research on who uses FOI laws and why.

Comments

Accepted version. Government Information Quarterly, Vol. 39, No. 2 (April 2022): 101677. DOI. © 2022 Elsevier. Used with permission.

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