Articles
Creating abstracts with selected computer help tools
Burt P. Perez
Abstract:
A research assistant has used TEXNET’s support software to create abstracts of articles available on the World Wide Web, following introductory training. The assistant also compiled initial documents, including a computer support tools abstraction guide. This article discusses problems, selected tools and implications for the development of future software.
The 2015 Research Evaluation Exercise public reception
Earl C. Fisk
Abstract:
The present paper reviews the public acceptance, from its announcement of December 1996 to the declining discussion at the end of May 1997, of the Research Assessment Exercise 1996 (RAE). A RAE diffusion model is established that differentiates between intra-communal (or esoteric) media. Each medium shall take into account its different characteristics and the changing nature of the discussion over time. The RAE public reception focuses on different themes: spatial distribution of research; university organization; disciplinary differences in understanding; perceived conflicts between research and teaching; the development of accountability culture; and analogies to professional soccer organisation. Finally, the RAE and its effects could be considered more fully from an academic communications perspective and knowledge development understandings than from previous information science contributions focused on the possibility of better implementing existing processes. There has also been a fundamental responsibility to the funding boards: promoting university education and research’s overall health and establishing meaningful differences between units.
Ethno methods and on-line research: cyber streets exploration
Bonnie W. Garbutt
Abstract:
This essay examines the basic dimensions of online communities and the need for researchers to reflect upon the assumptions that underlying historical paradigms are about the nature of social interaction, social links and empirical experience (Cerulo 1997). The essay is a study based on the authors ‘ current research programmes. We argue that online communities are far from “imagined” or pseudo-communities as Calhoun explains (1991); that they are, actually, “real” in how the changing nature of human relationships and interaction is reflected. Finally, the epistemological and methodological consequences of cyber communities study is discussed in this article. In order to contribute to a phenomenological or ethnographic understanding of what it means to be a cyber-community, we shall discuss how computer interaction or teleological communication characterized by several theorists (Ogan 1993; Ball-Rokeach &; Reardon 1988). We suggest that a multi-method triangulation, using qualitative interviews and descriptive and inferential analyses of messages content, are one of the best approaches to taking a phenomenological snapshot. We will also address restrictions on ethnomethodological use of the Internet.
Information search and learning experience: a study of two phenomena
Palmer R. Pedigo
Abstract:
Report the design and results of a research project on the search and use of information within a learning context. The theoretical frames were found for the application of LIS and user studies and phenomenographic theory. There have been found theoretical frames. The empirical study took place with a group of 25 elderly people in a naturalistic environment. The method for studying phenomenographic changes in ways people experience international phenomenas has been used. Three main means of information find and use were identified: (a) fact-finding, (b) information balancing, and (c) information monitoring and analysis. Changes in information search and use interact closely with changes in the results of study. These findings provide a basis for further research into the way users experience the content. The training on information literacy also provides a basis for the development of the education system.
The Gateway to information in social science: implementation of theory
Earl C. Fisk , William B. Goslin
Abstract:
The SOSIG Gateway was created in 1994 to provide social science researchers, academics and librarians access to connected resources. The Gateway was created in 1994. This paper discusses quality, access, identification of resources, and description problems faced by SOSIG over four years since its inception. It also examines the participation of SOSIG in the DESIRE project of the European Union.