Theories of Information Behavior

In this module, we'll be immersing ourselves in established Information Behavior theory. Simultaneously, we'll also immerse ourselves in qualitative research practices. These will build toward both a deeper understanding of information behavior research practice and toward dipping our toes into typical research practices in our chosen fields. The main projects of this module will be your autoethnography and your qualitative research proposal.

This module's learning objectives are to 1) interpret core information behavior theories, 2) conduct an autoethnography, 3) articulate different qualitative research methodologies, and 4) construct a small qualitative research project. It supports the course objectives of explaining information behavior in terms of your experience and in terms of core theories of the field in greater depth.

Module Schedule

Week 4

WATCH: Core Theories in the Field
READ: Chatman, 1991; Fisher & Naumer 2006; Savolainen 1995; Kuhlthau 1991
DISCUSS: Week 4 Reading Response

Week 5

WATCH: Becoming Qualitative Researchers
READ: Glesne 2016 ch 2-3; Williams 2021 ch. 9
DISCUSS: What methods have we seen so far?

Week 6

Week 7

Working week
DISCUSS: Your Qualitative Method

Week 8

Tuesday at 11:59pm: Research Protocol Due
DISCUSS: Peer Review of Qualitative Protocol
Friday at 11:59pm: Autoethnography Due