A non-linear model of information seeking behaviour
The results of a qualitative, naturalistic, study of information seeking behaviour are reported in this paper. The study applied the methods recommended by Lincoln and Guba for maximising credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability in data collection and analysis. Sampling combin...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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University of Borås
2005-01-01
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| Series: | Information Research: An International Electronic Journal |
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| Online Access: | http://informationr.net/ir/10-2/paper222.html |
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| _version_ | 1832569866503061504 |
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| author | Allen E. Foster |
| author_facet | Allen E. Foster |
| author_sort | Allen E. Foster |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The results of a qualitative, naturalistic, study of information seeking behaviour are reported in this paper. The study applied the methods recommended by Lincoln and Guba for maximising credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability in data collection and analysis. Sampling combined purposive and snowball methods, and led to a final sample of 45 inter-disciplinary researchers from the University of Sheffield. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to elicit detailed examples of information seeking. Coding of interview transcripts took place in multiple iterations over time and used Atlas-ti software to support the process. The results of the study are represented in a non-linear Model of Information Seeking Behaviour. The model describes three core processes (Opening, Orientation, and Consolidation) and three levels of contextual interaction (Internal Context, External Context, and Cognitive Approach), each composed of several individual activities and attributes. The interactivity and shifts described by the model show information seeking to be non-linear, dynamic, holistic, and flowing. The paper concludes by describing the whole model of behaviours as analogous to an artist's palette, in which activities remain available throughout information seeking. A summary of key implications of the model and directions for further research are included. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5b82d64233a545d7a56fbcbf1a8feedd |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1368-1613 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2005-01-01 |
| publisher | University of Borås |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Information Research: An International Electronic Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-5b82d64233a545d7a56fbcbf1a8feedd2025-02-02T19:01:53ZengUniversity of BoråsInformation Research: An International Electronic Journal1368-16132005-01-01102222A non-linear model of information seeking behaviourAllen E. FosterThe results of a qualitative, naturalistic, study of information seeking behaviour are reported in this paper. The study applied the methods recommended by Lincoln and Guba for maximising credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability in data collection and analysis. Sampling combined purposive and snowball methods, and led to a final sample of 45 inter-disciplinary researchers from the University of Sheffield. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to elicit detailed examples of information seeking. Coding of interview transcripts took place in multiple iterations over time and used Atlas-ti software to support the process. The results of the study are represented in a non-linear Model of Information Seeking Behaviour. The model describes three core processes (Opening, Orientation, and Consolidation) and three levels of contextual interaction (Internal Context, External Context, and Cognitive Approach), each composed of several individual activities and attributes. The interactivity and shifts described by the model show information seeking to be non-linear, dynamic, holistic, and flowing. The paper concludes by describing the whole model of behaviours as analogous to an artist's palette, in which activities remain available throughout information seeking. A summary of key implications of the model and directions for further research are included.http://informationr.net/ir/10-2/paper222.htmlInformation seeking behaviour |
| spellingShingle | Allen E. Foster A non-linear model of information seeking behaviour Information Research: An International Electronic Journal Information seeking behaviour |
| title | A non-linear model of information seeking behaviour |
| title_full | A non-linear model of information seeking behaviour |
| title_fullStr | A non-linear model of information seeking behaviour |
| title_full_unstemmed | A non-linear model of information seeking behaviour |
| title_short | A non-linear model of information seeking behaviour |
| title_sort | non linear model of information seeking behaviour |
| topic | Information seeking behaviour |
| url | http://informationr.net/ir/10-2/paper222.html |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT allenefoster anonlinearmodelofinformationseekingbehaviour AT allenefoster nonlinearmodelofinformationseekingbehaviour |