Kallehauge, Jesper (2008) Value and uncertainty in information seeking : resolution of complex work tasks in an educational environment. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.
Abstract
In the research model the information seeking process is seen as a dynamic development to reduce uncertainty or increase the value through four stages until the problem is solved. The results showed a surprising progress of the uncertainty stages. The hypothesis that the information seeking process reduces uncertainty through the four stages: 'problem recognition', 'problem definition', 'problem resolution' and 'solution statement' until the problem is solved can be rejected since there is no significant decrease in uncertainty level from stage 1 to 4. The hypothesis about the connection between the individual information seeker and the social and organizational environment was confirmed. A set of the most important core relevance criteria were applied. All kind o f information source types were included. The research developed a cognitive sociology model o f information seeking. The research used a mixed methodology with a combination o f qualitative and quantitative methods which complemented each other. Empirical data from 2002-06 in the social sciences and applied sciences domains were based on 14 case studies and 60 participants from a survey following the case study. The participants were dissertation students focusing on their dissertation from a UK research-led university in different departments and an IT university in Denmark.
Metadata
Awarding institution: | University of Sheffield |
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Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Information School (Sheffield) |
Identification Number/EthosID: | uk.bl.ethos.489132 |
Depositing User: | EThOS Import Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 09 Jan 2017 13:00 |
Last Modified: | 09 Jan 2017 13:00 |
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