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Utilizing mixed methods research in analyzing Iranian researchers' informarion search behaviour in the web and presenting the current pattern

Asadi, M ; Sharif University of Technology | 2015

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  1. Type of Document: Article
  2. Publisher: Iranian Research Institute for Scientific Information and Documentation , 2015
  3. Abstract:
  4. Using mixed method research the current study has analyzed Iranian researchers' information searching behavior on the Web. Based on extracted concepts, the model of their information searching behavior was revealed. Forty-four participants, including academic staff from universities and research centers were recruited for this study selected by purposive sampling. Data were gathered from questionnaires including ten questions and semi-structured interview. Each participant's memos were analyzed using grounded theory methods adapted from Strauss & Corbin (1998). Results showed that the main objectives of subjects were doing a research, writing a paper, studying, doing assignments, downloading files and acquiring public information in using Web. The most important ways of learning about the way of searching and retrieving information were trial and error and getting help from friends among the subjects. Information resources are identified by searching in information resources (e.g. search engines, references in papers, and search in online database ⋯), communications facilities & tools (e.g. contact with colleagues, seminars & workshops, social networking .), and information services (e.g. RSS, Alerting, and SDI). Also, Findings indicated that searching by search engines, reviewing references, searching in online databases, and contact with colleagues and studying last issue of the electronic journals were among the most important for searching. The most important strategies were usingsearch engines and scientific tools such as Google Scholar. In addition, utilizing simple (Quick) search method was the most common among subjects. Using of topic, keywords, title of paper were most important elements for retrieving information. Analysis of interview showed that there were nine stages in researchers' information search behavior: selection of topic, initiating search, formulating search query, information retrieval, access to information, information evaluation, information selection, information management, and stop/continue. These stages located in greater four categories: search initiation behaviors, formulating search queries, search navigational behaviors, and information processing behaviors. The study contributes to the theoretical basis of Web search research. It also raises various questions within the context of user studies
  5. Keywords:
  6. Information Searching Behavior ; Iran ; Mixed Research Method ; User Study ; World Wide Web
  7. Source: Iranian Journal of Information Processing Management ; Volume 31, Issue 1 , 2015 , Pages 27-57 ; 22518223 (ISSN)
  8. URL: http://jipm.irandoc.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=2530&sid=1&slc_lang=en