A multidimensional approach to the study of human‐information interaction: A case study of collaborative information retrieval

Abstract

While most research in the area of human-information behavior has focused on a single dimension-either the psychological or the social-this case study demonstrated the importance of a multidimensional approach. The Cognitive Work Analysis framework guided this field study of one event of collaborative information retrieval (CIR) carried out by design engineers at Microsoft, including observations and interviews. Various dimensions explained the motives for this CIR event and the challenges the participants encountered: the cognitive dimension, the specific task and decision, the organization of the teamwork, and the organizational culture. Even though it is difficult at times to separate one dimension from another, and all are interdependent, the analysis uncovered several reasons for design engineers to engage in CIR, such as when they are new to the organization or the team, when the information lends itself to various interpretations, or when most of the needed information is not documented. Similar multidimensional studies will enhance our understanding of human-information behavior.The last two decades have seen an increased interest in the study of human-information behavior. In addition to a rise in the number of user studies, the field has experienced a growth in theoretical development that has introduced new conceptual frameworks and expanded on existing ones (Pettigrew, Fidel, & Bruce, 2001). Various objectives have directed conceptual research in information behavior. Parts of it aimed at developing theories and concepts that would guide research in this area (e.g., Bates, 1989;Ellis, 1989;Pettigrew, 2000;Wilson, 1999), and other parts tested whether theories borrowed from other fields can bring new insights (e.g., Chatman, 2000;Kuhlthau, 1991;Tuominen & Savolainen, 1997). Of central interest, however, has been a more specific question: what factors-or variables-should be considered when studying information behavior?To answer this question, some investigators tested whether or not certain factors affected information behavior, while others contemplated which factors played a role. In contrast, very few studies were carried out without specific variables in mind, but seeking rather to uncover which factors played a role in real-life situations. We present here a multidimensional approach for such studies, and illustrate its utilization through an example: a case study of collaborative information retrieval. The study employed a naturalistic approach and focused on several dimensions simultaneously, rather than on isolated factors or variables. It pointed to a variety of factors that influenced the information behavior of the users involved. While the results of this single case cannot be automatically generalized to other contexts, the study demonstrated that these factors belong to various dimensions. Moreover, these dimensions interacted with one another. Therefore, ignoring any one of them when analyzing human-information interactions would prevent investigators from fully understanding the phenom...

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Chain of Command: Information Sharing, Law Enforcement and Community Participation

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