The shape(s) of information practice: Using radial mapping qualitatively

Pamela McKenzie*, Alison Hicks, Jenny Bronstein, Jette Seiden Hyldegård, Ian Ruthven, Gunilla Widén

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
1 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Information practices comprise both seeking and avoidance. Although information practices scholars use qualitative and visual methods to understand seeking practices, they rarely do so to understand avoidance. This paper proposes a new visual method that supports revealing and explaining the complex interplay of seeking and avoidance in rich qualitative data. We introduce seven dimensions of information seeking and avoidance practice (intensity, granularity, engagement, control, relevance, quality, and timeliness). We conceptualize these visually as axes radiating outward from a central origin. We use Excel radar charts to depict these dimensions, allowing us to identify and characterize the shapes of information seeking and avoidance in everyday information practices. We apply our approach to two cases from published literature to show how mapping reveals the interplay between seeking and avoidance at one point in time and over time. We propose potential data collection and analysis applications of this method for information practices research.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication 87th Annual Meeting of the Association for Information Science and Technology
EditorsHeater o'Brien, June Abbas
Place of PublicationCalgary, Canada
PublisherJohn Wiley & Sons
Pages593-597
Volume61
Edition1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 2024
MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
EventAnnual Meeting of the Association for Information Science and Technology -
Duration: 1 Jan 2016 → …

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology
ISSN (Print)2373-9231
ISSN (Electronic)2373-9231

Conference

ConferenceAnnual Meeting of the Association for Information Science and Technology
Period01/01/16 → …

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