HIB Models
Models of HIB
Dervin
Information gaps
Belkin
Anomalous state of knowledge (ASK)
Ellis
Information Search
Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP) model
Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process model is detailed in a reading that I did not read (Kuhlthau, 1991). However, a key point in this model is the transition from Exploration to Formulation and the change from Confusion/Frustration to Clarity- if formation never really gels, it is doubtful that the seeker will ever be satisfied with the search. People who remember only the bold text of this class will remember this model as “the feeling model.”
Stages in ISP
- Initiation
- Feelings: Uncertainty
- Thoughts:
- Selection
- Feelings: Optimism
- Thoughts:
- Exploration
- Feelings: Confusion/frustration
- Thoughts:
- Formulation
- Feelings: Clarity
- Thoughts:
- Collection
- Feelings: Shit
- Thoughts:
- Presentation
- Feelings: Dammit
- Thoughts:
A question to ask is if the feelings described are endemic to the information seeking process or if they are results of varying levels of support for the seeking process. This is never explored by Kuhlthau.
Chatman’s Theories of Information Poverty
Chatman is interesting, as she defines the information behavior not of seekers, but of avoiders. There are many classes of people in the world who choose to avoid information in front of them (she examines people of low social status, long-term prison inmates and drunks, but others can be filled in). She defines three frameworks to analyze the behaviors of these people.
Throughout these theories, she refers to the concept of a “small world”- the world which directly concerns the daily life of an individual for the
Theory of blahdeeblaaa
Theory of Life in the Round
The Theory of Life in the Round is the theory Chatman developed to talk about prison inmates. Life in the Round describes a life existing entirely in the confines of one’s “small world”, such as people incarcerated in prison.
Small world life-
- Characterized by strict social norms - “insiders” and “outsiders”
- > This behavior is observed in very isolated, closed comunities. Usually not self-selecting
- People engaging in this type of information behavior ignore info relating to life outside the “small world”
Theory of Normative Behavior
“Normative Behavior”, which this model is based around, is defined as behavior which the community dictates as acceptable.
Key elements:
- Social norms
- Social norms define boundaries of and restrict behavior.
- Worldview
- A collective set of common beliefs shared by members of the community
- Social types
- Classification of individuals inside a community. Communal archetypes.
- Information behavior
A state of choosing to seek or avoid information.Chatman has expanded this definition to include avoiding information.
Example: dirt eaters
These people are an example of people who avoid information to protect or support a worldview. This can be used to provide guidelines for interviewing those that share a small world view and how to strike up a meaningful dialogue.. but not entirely. return to Info310.HomePage