Forum Goals

This purpose of this activity is to gain knowledge of Information Behavior History and to provide a basic introduction of founding concepts.

Forum Details

INSTRUCTIONS

Part 1.

The first three chapters (in Part 1) of Looking for Information, Case&GIven (2016) presents an introduction to information behaviors, why information behavior is studied, examples of information behavior and the history and focus of the research. The next several chapters (Part 2) present the foundational concepts of information behavior in preparation for the remaining chapters which will continue with the methods, theories and more of the research in the field, some of which you read in the first two weeks.:

In this forum please answer the following questions pertaining to chapter 1:

1. Researcher and professor, Brenda Dervin presents her thoughts regarding the “dubious assumptions” in past information seeking research (section 1.1.3). Note: these are not her assumptions. The “assumption” is italicized, then Dervin’s thoughts about the assumption are summarized. Comment on each “assumption” reviewed by Dervin, then comment on Dervin’s thoughts about the “assumption”. Do you agree or disagree with Dervin’s thoughts about the “assumptions”? Explain your thoughts.

2. According to Case&Given (2016), how has information behavior been studied?

Part 2.

1. In the assigned readings for the first two weeks you read articles where the terms information behaviors, information seeking, and information needs were defined from different perspectives. In chapter 1 of the text the authors review these, and other concepts, again.

After reviewing the “vocabulary” Case&Given (2016) provide in section 1.1.1, what are your thoughts about these definitions? According to Case&Given (2016), what was the focus of the earlier research in information behaviors – information seeking? When did the focus change and how did it change? After reviewing table 1.1, do you have any suggestions for other “orientations” for future information behavior research?

The following questions are taken from Case&Given (2016) Appendix B for chapter 1.

• Answer questions #1 and #3 (pgs. 377-378). For question #1, in addition to the suggestions given in the question, what other sources of information would you include?