Annotated Bibliography for INFO 510 Prepared by: Michelle Joannides Due Date: December 13, 2006
Scope: Provided below is a summary of research and scholarly articles that addresses the field of information seeking behavior of young adults. An abstract and annotation for each article is provided that will give some insight into why the article was chosen. For each article to be included it was necessary for there to be evidence of a qualitative or substantive field study or related research. Different methods were used to discover these articles and the location and search string used is included for each citation.
The field of information seeking for young adults has many different avenues that could be explored. For the most part this Reference List contains more recent articles, usually published within the last 10 years. Some of the articles concern information seeking behavior dealing with technology, health inquiries, career objectives, and daily information needs. This is not a comprehensive citation of all the available research in this field, but is a good look at research related articles covering a broad range of information needs for today’s young adults.
Reference List:
Agosto, D. E.,& Hughes-Hassell, S. (2005). People, places, and questions: An investigation of the everyday life information-seeking behaviors of urban young adults. Library & Information Science Research, 27(2), 141-163. Retrieved November 21, 2006, from Dialog file 438. Abstract: This article presents preliminary findings from a research grant on the everyday life information seeking (ELIS) behaviors of urban young adults. Twenty-seven teens aged 14 to 17 participated in the study. Qualitative data were gathered using written activity logs and semi-structured group interviews.
Annotation: The data collected for this study was gathered by 5 methods: surveys, written activity logs, audio journals, photographic tours, and group interviews. The data was analyzed using “iterative pattern coding”. This data analysis method looks for recognizable data patterns while readings of the data are being repeated, then tying those pieces of data to more detailed theoretical considerations. The conclusion of this study determined that the urban youth of today still view public libraries as “uncool” and uninviting places. The youth interviewed preferred friends and family members as their everyday life information seeking source, and cell phones as the preferred method of communication. Librarians are viewed as treating teenagers rudely and with little respect, and libraries are viewed as not having any appropriate cultural materials for teenagers. The study ends with posing 5 questions for information managers to consider when setting up programs and services for today’s urban youth. Method of searching: Controlled vocabulary search using descriptor, title, and abstract
Search string: Ss(information needs OR information needs—evaluation)/de Set # AND (young()adult? OR adolescent?)/de,ti,ab
Branch, J. L. (2003). Instructional intervention is the key: Supporting adolescent information seeking. School Libraries Worldwide, 9(2), 47-61. Retrieved November 21, 2006, from Dialog file 438. Abstract: This research sought to examine the information seeking processes employed by Canadian junior high school students when using CD-ROM encyclopedias and when completing inquiry-based learning activities. The first study revealed that participants needed both instruction and practice to develop the skills and strategies needed for full-text searching of CD-ROM encyclopedias. The participants tended to use search terms only from the original question, had difficulty selecting topics and articles from the retrieved list, and did not read long articles as carefully as short articles. The second study revealed that students needed support throughout the inquiry-based learning experience. Both studies found that participants wanted time to talk and discuss and that instruction was important to help students move forward in their searching and learning.
Annotation: This article correlated two studies that looked at adolescent information seeking processes. Both studies determined that instructional intervention is key to helping adolescents in their inquiry-based information seeking. Without any assistance the study participants could not form effective search inquiries. Think Alouds, Think Afters, and Think Togethers were the 3 verbal protocol analysis used in this study, along with videotaping, audiotaping, and observation. The two studies found that adolescent students need teachers to make them better searchers. The article ends by listing 5 suggestions for school librarians and teachers to help prepare them to teach their students to become better information searchers.
Method of searching: Controlled vocabulary search using descriptor, title, and abstract
Search string: Ss(information needs OR information needs—evaluation)/de Set # AND (young()adult? OR adolescent?)/de,ti,ab
Dresang, E. T. (2005). The information-seeking behavior of youth in the digital environment. Library Trends, 54(2), 178-196. Retrieved November 21, 2006, from Dialog file 7. Abstract: The theory of Radical Change, which is based on the digital age principles of interactivity, connectivity, and access, is suggested as a lens to reexamine existing research on youth information-seeking behavior in the digital environment. This analysis addresses commonalities between information- seeking behavior related to the handheld book with hypertextual qualities and digital materials, the social nature of information seeking, and emerging issues of access.
Annotation: This article is an up to date review of research that was conducted in the past decade as it relates to youth information-seeking behavior in a digital age. An examination of these past studies provides new perspectives that may have been overlooked, and areas that need to be examined and researched more closely. Through a meta-analysis of the past research the author concludes that to much of the research focuses on information barriers to youth, rather than new ways for improvement. New information on gender and collaborative behavior of youth may alter the interpretation of past research.
Method of searching: Controlled vocabulary search using descriptor, title, and abstract
Search string: Information(w)seek?(3w)behavior? AND (youth OR adolescent)/de,ti,ab
Edwards, S.,& Poston-Anderson, B. (1996). Information, future time perspectives, and young adolescent girls: Concerns about education and jobs. Library & Information Science Research, 18(3), 207-223. Retrieved November 30, 2006, from LISA database. Abstract: This article examines how young adolescent girls manage their information seeking when dealing with concerns related to future jobs and future education. The study found information seeking is influenced by the fact that girls think they are “too young” or it is “too early” for them to get answers to their questions. The findings are compared with those which investigate adolescents’ perspectives of the future and the article addresses implications for professional practice.
Annotation: Describes how adolescent girls feel when searching for career information, and the many barriers that they feel they face. Most barriers dealt with adults, such as parents, teachers, and librarians thinking the adolescent to young. The article ends with some implications that professionals may want to consider when dealing with this age group.
Method of searching: Keyword search
Search string: (information retrieval OR information seek?) AND (young adult? OR adolescent) with a date range of 1990 to 2007 Fidel, R., Davies, R. K., Douglass, M. H., Holder, J. K., Hopkins, C. J., Kushner, E. J., et al. (1999). A visit to the information mall: Web searching behavior of high school students. Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 50(1), 24-37. Retrieved December 1, 2006, from LISA database. Abstract: This article analyzes Web searching behavior for homework assignments of high school students through field observations in class and at the terminal with students thinking aloud, and through interviews with various participants, including the teacher and librarian. Students performed focused searching and progressed through a search swiftly and flexibly. They were satisfied with their searches and the results, but impatient with slow response. The students enjoyed searching the Web because it had a variety of formats, it showed pictures, it covered a multitude of subjects, and it provided easy access to information.
Annotation: This study was conducted by a team of graduate students and an instructor from the University of Washington using observation and interviews. The field activity was limited to observation in class and at the computer terminal with the students thinking aloud. After the observation each student was then interviewed to obtain their feelings and some background information. The research method used in this study was the cast-study method. The study concluded that Web systems need to be designed with the end user in mind, and that to be effective in the school system students and teachers need training.
Method of searching: Citation search using footnote chasing
Search string: Information(w)seek?(3w)behavior? AND (youth OR adolescent)/de,ti,ab Returned the following citation: More research needed: Informal information seeking behavior of youth on the internet. (1999, December). Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 50(12), 1123-1124.
Gray, N. J., Klein, J. D., Noyce, P. R., Sesselbert, T. S.,& Cantrill, J. A. (2005). Health information-seeking behaviour in adolescence: The place of the internet. Social Science & Medicine, 60(7), 1467-1478. Retrieved November 22, 2006, from Dialog file 7. Abstract: The internet is one of a range of health information sources available to adolescents. It is recognized that young people have difficulties accessing traditional health services; in theory, the internet offers them confidential and convenient access to an unprecedented level of information about a diverse range of subjects. This could redress adolescents’ state of relative health ‘information poverty’ compared to adults. This paper seeks to explore United Kingdom and United States adolescents’ perceptions and experiences of using the internet to find information about health and medicines, in the context of the other health information sources that are available to them. Although it is unlikely to supplant the role of trusted peers and adults, the internet has found an important place among adolescents’ repertory of health information sources.
Annotation: This research article looked specifically at adolescents’ health information seeking behavior and the sources that they use, including the internet. Adolescents’ form one of the most active group of internet users today. The study was to look at adolescents’ perceptions and experiences of using the internet for finding health information. The student sampling included students aged 11 to 19 years old. A total of 157 students took place in the study, forming 15 groups from the UK and 11 from the US. Group discussions included perceptions of how the internet had changed the student’s leisure activities, and how the internet could be used to find health information. Each discussion group was recorded on audiotape and transcribed verbatim. The data shows that adolescents’ do compare the internet to other more traditional information sources, such as other peers and textbooks.
Method of searching: Keyword search
Search string: Ss(information()need? OR information()retrieval OR information()seek?) AND (young(2w)adult? OR adolescent?) Set # and la=English
Hansen, D. L., Derry, H. A., Resnick, P. J.,& Richardson, C. R. (2003). Adolescents searching for health information on the internet: An observational study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 5(4), e25. Retrieved December 6, 2006, from http://www.jmir.org/2003/4/e25 Abstract: Adolescents’ access to health information on the internet is partly a function of their ability to search for and find answers to their health-related questions. Adolescents may have unique health and computer literacy needs. This study was designed to understand how adolescents search for health information using the internet and what implications this may have on access to health information. A convenience sample of 12 students (age 12-17) years from 1 middle school and 2 high schools in southeast Michigan were provided with 6 health-related questions and asked to look for answers using the internet. This study provides a useful snapshot of current adolescent searching patterns.
Annotation: The internet has become an important research tool for people with health questions, especially adolescents. Of the study participants aged 15 to 17 more then 70% had previously used the internet to look up health information, and this percentage is likely to increase with the growing popularity of personal home computers. The study focused on some distinctive challenges when searching for health information online, such as unfamiliar medical terminology and determining health information quality. 3 data collection methods were used. First was observation in real time, second with a computer software program that captured the students’ voices as well as taking computer screen shots, and third by videotaping. In 60 out of 68 cases the students started their research by utilizing a search engine, and 6 out of the 12 students used Google only. It was found that the older students had a higher success rate then the younger students. One reason found was misspelling of search terms. The researchers end by stating that future studies may want to focus on improving adolescent search strategies.
Method of searching: Browsing
Search string: From the article Teenagers struggle to find useful health data online, Advanced Technology Libraries, 33(1), Jan. 2004 it mentioned a recent study that was published in the online Journal of Medical Internet Research.
Julien, H. E. (1999). Barriers to adolescents’ information seeking for career decision making. Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 50(1), 38-48. Retrieved December 1, 2006, from LISA database. Abstract: Nearly 400 Canadian adolescents were surveyed about their information seeking for career decision making. A written questionnaire gathered data on degree of helpfulness of various information sources and the ways in which these sources have helped and asked about some of the barriers to information seeking faced by adolescents. 30 semistructured interviews with participants drawn from the same sample asked participants about their decision making and information search processes, their concerns about these processes, and the barriers they face in accessing helpful information for career decision making. 40% of youth do not know where to go for help in their decision making, and 38% feel that they need to go to too many different places for the information they require. As well, the respondents revealed that trustworthiness of information sources is critical to the ultimate usefulness of the help received.
Annotation: The research for this article focused mainly on the difficulties of adolescents as they were in the process of making future career decisions and searching for information on those decisions. The study used a theoretical framework consisting of a mixture of Dervin and Harren’s models. A few of the barriers that were explored during this study was the barrier of adolescents not knowing what information is needed, where to find appropriate information, and lack of awareness of the existence of sources of information. The data was gathered for this study by a written questionnaire given to 399 adolescent males and females. 30 participants were then asked to be interviewed following the questionnaire. The results show that many adolescents do not understand what decisions they need to make about their futures, and this lack of clarity made them feel overwhelmed and anxious. Adolescents could greatly benefit from a better understanding of the career decision making process.
Method of searching: Keyword search
Search string: (information retrieval OR information seek?) AND (young adult? OR adolescent) with a date range of 1990 to 2007
Millar, R.,& Shevlin, M. (2003). Predicting career information-seeking behavior of school pupils using the theory of planned behavior. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 62(1), 26-42. Retrieved November 22, 2006, from Dialog file 7. Abstract: The variation in the extent to which adolescents engage in career exploratory behavior is large. This study examined the utility of the Theory of Planned Behavior, augmented by the addition of a past behavior variable, in predicting information-seeking behavior in a school pupil sample. A sample of 278 adolescents completed a questionnaire administered 6 weeks into the first term and again 6 weeks later. The results indicated that behavioral intentions to search for career information were influenced primarily by past behavior and to a lesser extent by attitudes towards career exploratory behavior. Future behavior was explained best by past behavior. Social norms and perceived behavioral control exerted no significant influence on behavioral intentions or self-reported career exploratory behavior.
Annotation: The topic of this article centered around a single question; how can the variability from prior research in information seeking behavior be explained? This article’s researched followed the Theory of Planned Behavior, and looked to study adolescents career exploratory behavior. It was found that in trying to determine how searching behavior may be influenced, there was a very strong influence from past searching behavior. What adolescents do in terms of search activities tend to be replicated at some point in the future. On a smaller scale the research also notes the importance of search attitudes and social norms.
Method of searching: Keyword search
Search string: Ss(information()need? OR information()retrieval OR information()seek?) AND (young(2w)adult? OR adolescent?)
Moen, W. E.,& Rose-Walker, J. (1999). Identifying and categorizing information-seeking behaviors in the networked environment: An exploratory study of young adults. Internet Research, 9(5), 409-413. Retrieved November 21, 2006, from Dialog file 438. Abstract: Information-seeking behaviors of young adults – especially in a networked environment – have been an overlooked area of information science research. As young adults gravitate towards the World Wide Web as a primary source to resolve their information problems or for other purposes, research is needed to identify and describe the types of information-seeking behaviors exhibited by these users. Data from such research would provide a basis for categorizing effective patterns, strategies, and tactics related to different information needs. Annotation: This study focuses the aim of its results to help build appropriate information literacy programs for the GenNet (networked generation), and hopes to categorize the information seeking behaviors of young adults in a networked environment. It also explores the range and variety of information seeking behavior by young adults as they use unique methods to locate information. The research was conducted by using a questionnaire, think-aloud protocols, observation, and interviews. 21 young adults participated in the study.
Method of searching: Controlled vocabulary search using descriptor
Search string: Ss(information needs OR information needs—evaluation)/de Set # AND (young()adult? OR adolescent?)/de,ti,ab
Shenton, A. K.,& Dixon, P. (2003a). Models of young people’s information seeking. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 35(1), 5-22. Retrieved December 1, 2006, from LISA database. Abstract: This article reviews those models that have been developed and outlines several that have emerged from a recent research project undertaken in north-east England with 4 to 18 year olds. The first of the new models is devoted to general patterns in the informants’ information seeking, regardless of the type of source exploited. It begins with the development of an information need and concludes with the making of decisions with regard to the completion of a search.
Annotation: This article looks at the role of model development noting that creating each model is pivotal. A model can switch the project emphasis from the specific to a broader context. The models that look at information behavior of young people are the focus of this article. Each previous model is described in detail. There are 4 major types of information behavior models that are studied; instructional, grounded, narrative, and synthesized.
Method of searching: Controlled vocabulary search using descriptor
Search string: Information seeking behaviour and young people/de
Shenton, A. K.,& Dixon, P. (2003b). Youngster’s use of other people as an information- seeking method. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 35(4), 219-233. Retrieved December 1, 2006, from LISA database. Abstract: Use of other people has often been found to be the most frequently employed and most successful method by which youngsters obtain information. Nevertheless, significant questions remain largely unanswered, especially with regard to the types of information need that are met via this action, the sorts of people typically approached in order to satisfy needs of particular types, the actions taken by adults in response to youngsters’ approaches to them and the problems that youngsters face when using other people. In an attempt to shed more light on these outstanding issues, this paper draws on the findings of an essentially qualitative project devoted more generally to the information needs and information-seeking action of young people.
Annotation: Participants for this study were drawn from 6 schools in England. Participants ranged in age from 3 to 18. 12 focus groups were staged and 121 individual interviews were conducted. The data was collected by tape recording, and transcripts prepared soon after. The data was coded using the constant comparative method by Glaser and Strauss. The results indicated that as expected most youngsters use other people as their information source when seeking information. The article describes in detail the type of people youngsters go to when information seeking, and what types of inquiries they have.
Method of searching: Author search
Search string: Shenton/au
Shenton, A. K.,& Dixon, P. (2004a). Issues arising from youngsters’ information-seeking behavior. Library & Information Science Research, 26(2), 177-200. Retrieved November 30, 2006, from LISA database. Abstract: Much of the research on the information-seeking behavior of young people has examined either the degree to which they use particular providers or the manner in which they exploit such sources or materials. Considerably less attention has focused on the identification of generic characteristics that relate to the use of a range of information sources. Many of the recurring features of user behavior reflect attempts by youngsters to simplify the task of information seeking and reduce the effort expended.
Annotation: The overall goal of this study was to investigate the information universe of young people, and describe how information seeking behavior changes during the years from childhood to adolescence. The study participants ranged in age from 4 to 18 years old. Two categories of issues arose in the participants information seeking; problems and thematic issues. The article describes these 2 categories in great detail. At the conclusion it is stated the most fundamental pattern to investigate is the participants attempts to simplify the search process in any way possible, completely ignoring more thorough or conscientious approaches.
Method of searching: Keyword search
Search string: (information retrieval OR information seek?) AND (young adult? OR adolescent) with a date range of 1990 to 2007 Shenton, A. K. (2004b). Research into young people’s information-seeking: Perspectives and methods. Aslib proceedings, 56(4), 243-254. Retrieved November 22, 2006, from Dialog File 7. Abstract: Despite the fact that effective information skills are a prerequisite for young people in today’s society, relatively little is known about how youngsters actually find information. The existing knowledge base of the subject is scanty and piecemeal, and few efforts have been made to explore, as an entirety, studies of young people’s information-seeking and to isolate the methods, perspectives and strategies that researchers have adopted. Examination of these areas can alert prospective investigators to issues that they should explore and approaches that they might wish to take in their own work. Matters for consideration include the purposes of past studies, the specific focuses that have been under scrutiny, the techniques that have been employed for gathering and analyzing data, and stances that have been taken with regard to the generalisablility / transferability of findings.
Annotation: This article highlights some key characteristics of past research specifically in the field of information seeking. The article categories each type of research into subsections and explains each one in detail. This article is meant to give insight to an individual considering a research project, and some past issues they will likely have to address in the future.
Method of searching: Keyword search
Search string: Ss (information()need? OR information()retrieval OR information()seek?) AND (young(2w)adult? OR adolescent?) Set # and la=English
Todd, R. J. (2003). Adolescents of the information age: Patterns of information seeking and use, and implications for information professionals. School Libraries Worldwide, 9(2), 27-46. Retrieved November 21, 2006, from Dialog file 438. Abstract: This article provides an overview of the field of human information behavior as it shapes and affects the provision of quality information services and products to children and adolescents. It is a diverse, dynamic, and complex field and one shaped by many situational, personal, social, and organizational factors. This review sets the theme for this issue’s focus on adolescents’ information seeking and use. It briefly explores some of the key themes, theories, and challenges and explores how these shape the professional responsibilities and actions of school librarians.
Annotation: The article starts by defining some key traits in human information behavior, such as people’s information contexts, information needs, information seeking behaviors, patterns of information access, and retrieval and dissemination. It depicts different models from different researchers and explains them. The article also looks at information seeking behavior in school libraries, the World Wide Web, and everyday information seeking. The article concludes by urging school librarians to keep up to date on the rapidly changing information available in the field of adolescents’ information behavior.
Method of searching: Controlled vocabulary search using descriptor, title, and abstract
Search string: Ss(information needs OR information needs—evaluation)/de Set # AND (young()adult? OR adolescent?)/de,ti,ab
Weiler, A. (2005). Information-seeking behavior in Generation Y students: Motivation, critical thinking, and learning theory. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 31(1), 46-53. Retrieved December 1, 2006, from ERIC database. Abstract: Research in information-seeking behavior, motivation, critical thinking, and learning theory was explored and compared in a search for possible motivating factors behind students’ dependence on television and the internet for their information needs. The research indicates that only a very small percentage of the general population prefers to learn by reading.
Annotation: Generation Y is known as the generation born between 1980 and 1994. This article looks at past research and applies it the recent information seeking research as it relates to Generation Y. It walks through different research in the motivation, critical thinking, learning theory, and information seeking behavior areas of study. The article concludes with some tips for instructors to get the learning attention of this generation. From the research presented in this article it is apparent that issues of time and level of difficulty are areas of most importance to adolescents when performing information searches.
Method of searching: Controlled vocabulary using descriptor
Search string: Information seeking OR user studies AND Adolescent Behavior 2004/de