Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Organizational Unit

Morgridge College of Education, Research Methods and Information Science, Research Methods and Statistics

First Advisor

Peter Organisciak

Second Advisor

Nick Cutforth

Third Advisor

Erin Elzi

Fourth Advisor

Maria Riva

Keywords

Grounded theory, Information behavior, Information seeking process, Search experience, Search process

Abstract

This Grounded theory study explores US adults' modern information search process as they pursue information through digital search user interfaces and tools. To study the current search process, a systematic grounded theory methodology and two data collection methods, a think-aloud protocol and semi-structured interviews, are used to develop the theory. The emerging theory addressed two tightly connected research questions that asked, “What is the process by which humans search and discover information?” and “What is the process by which search and discovery interfaces and tools support the modern search process?”

The study collects participant data from US adults who have recently completed internet-based searches or were employed as reference librarians or information specialists that regularly support internet-based searches. The 40 data collection events, 20 interviews, and 20 think-aloud search activities are constant comparatively analyzed. This analysis shows the importance of validating information during the search process as 1) establishing accurate information needs and 2) verifying information results. This theory and study findings can be applied to modern search interface designs or used to update modern information literacy curriculums.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

Nicolas Armando Parés

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Format

application/pdf

Language

en

File Size

94 pgs

Discipline

Information science, Educational evaluation, Computer science

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