Information Behaviour Introduction to Library & Information Studies March 1, 2010

LIS-505 Overview What is “information behavior”? What is a model and why use it? Types of models Individual models Model-building exercise Discussion 2

LIS-505 What is Information Behavior? “a process in which humans purposefully engage in order to change their state of knowledge” (Marchionini, 1995, p. 5) “the study of how people need, seek, give, and use information in different contexts, including the workplace and everyday living” (Pettigrew, Fidel & Bruce, 2001, p. 44) “a process that includes multiple stages of question asking and refining, information gathering and evaluating…synthesis and use of information” (Wallace, Kupperman, Krajcik, & Soloway, 2000). Study of the user of information rather than the container 3

LIS-505 Why Study Information Behavior? Paradigm shift (1980s) To identify different user groups and their information needs How people think and behave in response to information needs. Patterns of behaviours To identify best practices To inform information system design 4

LIS-505 What is a model and why use it? Diagrammatic, simplified versions of reality More concrete – “real world” To study various aspects of phenomena: Characteristics Relationships Specific to general Different intellectual domains: Cognitive Affective Context independent Predictive value 5

LIS-505 Why Information Behavioral Models? Of great value in the development of theory  description  prediction  explanation Models = Tentative, proposed set of relationships Focus on more specific or limited problems Concrete, diagrammatic Frameworks Generalizable – specific situation to general contexts 6

LIS-505 Types of Models Different types of models: Instructional Grounded Narrative Synthesized Based on Information Need 7

LIS-505 Dervin’s Sense-Making Model (1980’s to Present) Information and human communication interlinked and inseparable Identification and explanation of universals within individual experiences Bridging gaps Multiple interpretations – not the “right” answer Personal meaning – integration of results into one’s own experience No value judgments on what constitutes “helpful” information 8

LIS-505 In Glazier and Powell (1992) p. 69. SITUATION GAPUSE (HELP) The Sense-Making Triangle 9

LIS-505 Taylor’s Levels of Information Need (1968) 1. Visceral : unconscious – difficult to articulate 2. Conscious : awareness but ill-defined 3. Formalized : concrete – definitive and rational question 4. Compromised : need is redefined and specific to information system Independent of the type of information need Implications for intermediary’s approach 10

LIS-505 Belkin’s ASK – 1980 (Anomalous State of Knowledge) Set of guidelines Gap in one’s knowledge that needs bridging Information need to be defined in terms of user not system Most VagueMost Specific Levels of information need continuum Different retrieval tasks for different ASKs 11

LIS-505 Wilson’s Macro-Model (1981 and 1996) Broader perspective than just electronic systems “Goal-seeking behaviour” Problem identification  Problem definition  Problem resolution  Solution Statement Stress/coping theory – satisfaction of information need “Intervening variables” = barriers (but not always) Feedback loop Risk/Reward Theory Social Learning Theory Self-Efficacy Nested together 12

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LIS-505 Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process Seeking meaning – constructivist Concept of uncertainty – anxiety, motivation 14

LIS-505 Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process 15

LIS-505 Ellis’ Behavioural Framework (1989) Starting – identification of key areas of interest Chaining – identifying references Browsing – familiarizing oneself with sources within subject area Differentiating – value judgments based on prior knowledge Monitoring – regular examination of identified key sources Extracting – perusal of a particular source to identify and select relevant material. 16

LIS-505 Information Search Strategies Belkin, Marchetti & Cool (1993) Dimensions of Information-Seeking Strategies method of interaction (scanning-searching) goal of interaction (learning-selecting) mode of retrieval (recognition-specification) resource considered (information items-meta information) Any ISS could have 16 possible combinations of these four dimensions 17

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LIS-505 Bates’ (1989) Berry-Picking Model Addresses 4 areas: 1. The nature of the query, 2. The nature of the overall search process, 3. The range of search techniques used 4. The information ‘domain’ or territory where the search is conducted “Bit-at-a-time retrieval” – selected tidbits of information Evolving search query 19

LIS-505 Bates’ Berry-Picking Model 20

LIS-505 Shenton & Dixon’s (2003) Macrocosmic Model 1.Identification of overall direction  Determines nature of information need 2.Identification of source  Identification and isolation of sources 3.Identification of component  Interaction with the information source  Identification and examination of components within sources 21

LIS-505 Shenton & Dixon’s (2003) Macrocosmic Model 1. Accessing of information  May have been done in Stage 3  Possible redirecting of search 2. Outcomes and future action  Decision about usefulness of materials  Decision as to whether to stop or continue search process 22

LIS-505 Ingwersen’s Cognitive Model Elements similar to Wilson’s model namely “active search” mode Makes a number of elements explicit Functions of the information user, document author, intermediary Brings IR system into the picture Cognitive transformations from life-world to information system 23

LIS-505 Ingwersen’s Cognitive Model (1996) From Wilson (1999) 24

LIS-505 Methodological Issues: A Paradigm War? Quantitative vs. Qualitative methodology Mixed methods Random vs. purposeful sample Experimental vs. Operational setting Information System vs. User Generalizability vs. Transferability Methodology must match the research question! 25

Nesset’s Preparing, Searching & Using (PSU) Model 26LIS-505

So What? Emerging patterns and themes Best practices Information system design Models inform theory Description  Prediction  Explanation 27

What would your model look like? Elements to include: Information need Question/query development Generalized search/broad topic  refinement of topic/query User demographics Task definition (what is the information for?) How will the information be used? Organization of retrieved information Evaluation of information for relevance Feedback feature Barriers/facilitators to information search process Intervening variables (those things out of searcher’s control) Affective, physical, and cognitive behaviors Evaluation--feedback LIS

What would your model look like? Visuals Relationship arrows—steps involved in process Beginning and end (entrance/exit points) Stages (shows progress/evolution) Text and/or images Cyclical Spectrum of possible affective behaviors Categorizing of similar elements Legend/key – use of different colors/fonts Representation of concepts using different shapes, colors, symbols, arrows, etc. – building a conceptual framework Title (don’t make your readers guess) Borders/parameters LIS