Information Behaviour

Introduction to Library & Information Studies

March 1, 2010

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Overview

What is “information behavior”?

What is a model and why use it?

Types of models

Individual models

Model-building exercise

Discussion

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Types of Models

Different types of models: Instructional Grounded Narrative Synthesized

Based on Information Need

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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

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In Glazier and Powell (1992) p. 69.

SITUATION

GAP

USE (HELP)

The Sense-Making Triangle

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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

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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 Vague Most Specific

Levels of information need continuum

• Different retrieval tasks for different ASKs

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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

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

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Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process

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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.

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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

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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

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Bates’ Berry-Picking Model

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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

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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

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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

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Ingwersen’s Cognitive Model (1996)

From Wilson (1999) 24

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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!

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Nesset’s Preparing, Searching & Using (PSU) Model

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So What?

Emerging patterns and themes Best practices Information system design Models inform theory

Description Prediction Explanation

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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

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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

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