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Eoin Sheridan.Donald's theory of the evolution of human cognition sent me down quite a rabbit hole - Many of Donald's lectures and conference appearances are available on youtube. An initial impression that the theory would be difficult to apply due to uncertainty over where the line between biological evolution and cultural change lies took some time before it gave way to an understanding the while Donalds theory includes both, the temporal and functional co-ordinates of both are clearly identified. Perhaps the use of the term "evolution" in the title of the theory was a poor choice.

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Note; Week's 1 & 2 are guesses as to my post as a result of them being anonymous and too much time passing to remember my own

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Note; Week's 1 & 2 are guesses as to my post as a result of them being anonymous and too much time passing to remember my own

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Week 2 : Information and Communication in Daily Life and Leisure Settings

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Week 2 : Information and Communication in Daily Life and Leisure Settings

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Each of this week's readings were uniquely themed regarding information behaviour or fan fiction culture. I personally did not find much in the fan-fiction article however that is more a result of me not being participatory enough in the culture as noted by Jenkins in Hill & Pecoskie. I found the themes of the other articles to be enthralling such as; information poverty (Chatman), information seeking in terms of the way of life (Fisher, Erdelez & McKechnie) and individual secretive information behvaiour (Fulton).One interesting idea I have gotten from these readings is that of information processing; how can the information be disseminated, presented, processed/digested, and results of the individual information seeking process or information preferences that conflict with personal viewpoints.

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Week 3 : Research Approaches to Exploring Information and Communication Behaviours

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Week 3 : Research Approaches to Exploring Information and Communication Behaviours

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This weeks readings revolved around how we measure human interaction and how varying approaches such as mixed-methods approaches could result in new understanding. The Fisher, Erdelez & McKechnie reading helped me to better understand the role of cognition in an individual's information seeking process as it can influence how they retrieve and utilise information and furthermore, that individual information behaviour is ultimately influenced by societal experience. Reading chapters 8 & 9 of Ford's Information Behaviour highlighted to me the importance of objectivity and removing personal biases to maximise precise and accurate data. A resonating point from the reading was "the very procedures designed to avoid bias and maximize clarity, precision and accurate measurement can have the effect of removing whatever phenomenon is being researched" (Ford, p.186). The reading by Wildemuth called attention to designing the research around settings in which the desired behaviour is likely to occur whether it be through participant/ nonparticipant observation and the values of both obtrusive and unobtrusive observing. Furthermore the Wildemuth reading highlighted the importance of remaining neutral during the research process and not manipulating the data to skew the process towards pre-existing beliefs of results.
With regards to an article that I feel offers a good approach to researching and understanding human interaction; Venkatesh, V., Brown, S. A., & Bala, H. (2013). Bridging the qualitative-quantitative divide: Guidelines for conducting mixed methods research in information systems. MIS quarterly, 21-54. Available at; https://www.jstor.org/stable/43825936

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The Tiidenberg reading particularly showcased to me the idea of a history of mistakes in research ethics but also that it can be difficult to get it perfect due to how it relies on the nature of the case and approach. It really makes me second-guess myself and the topic for the unobtrusive observation project as it is vital to consider the areas of informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, privacy and publicity. I particularly enjoyed the line about the research "demands a certain willingness to stomach uncertainty" (Tiidenberg, p.478). The Wasterfos reading highlighted to me the importance of really tuning in to the environment of research by observing the details, the sequence of events and the atmosphere attributed to the case/ research project. I enjoyed how Goffman was brought up as he seems to be a key figure frequently recurring throughout various modules (especially with regards to paying attention to how the self is portrayed or picking up on the minor details such as grunts, groans, sighs, etc.). The Van Meurs et al. reading was interesting but arduous and afterwards I wondered should there be boundaries self-implemented and what constitutes the research being truly unobtrusive (as the researcher became involved in both spiritual care for nurses and patients). I also realised from the van Meurs et al. reading that it is important to attempt to recognise and note barriers that hinder the progress of research. For additional reading that I found aided in my understanding of observation and unobtrusive observation; Tzoulas, K., & James, P. (2010). Peoples’ use of, and concerns about, green space networks: A case study of Birchwood, Warrington New Town, UK. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 9(2), 121-128.

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Week 5 Seminar Leader Post; Asynchronous Seminar Week:  Blending Contexts: Social Media & Networking 

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Week 5 Seminar Leader Post; Asynchronous Seminar Week:  Blending Contexts: Social Media & Networking 

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This is our first Asynchronous week for People, Information & Communication and I want to generally speak about what is to be expected throughout the week. This Padlet discussion will be continued throughout the week so ensure that you regularly check it to continue debates or discussions and to engage with fellow classmates.

Overall this is intended to be a collaborative discussion within which we provide;

Unique Information

Responses/Discussion.

Active Participation

We would like to ask that everyone try and post as early as possible so that we can discuss and debate as extensively as possible. We will collectively discuss the readings (what we find interesting, useful or difficult to understand).

We will create a discussion regarding the various theories/theorists, ideas, themes, etc. regarding that of; Diffusion Theory, Social Capital and the Strength of (Weak) Ties.

Of course if there are any difficulties or questions regarding  the readings, then do not hesitate to ask, whether it be seminar leaders or each other, we are all here to help each other this week.

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Week 5 : Blending Contexts: Social Media & Networking

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Week 5 : Blending Contexts: Social Media & Networking

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(1) I have read all of this weeks assigned readings as I wanted to completely immerse myself within the theories of diffusion, social capital and the strength of ties. Fisher, Erdelez & McKechnie's Information Behaviour provided a good baseline knowledge for these theories but I felt further reading was required to get the full picture of these theories. For example, the Rogers reading on the diffusion of innovation provided a more in-depth analysis of diffusion theory. One of my favourite quotes from Rogers (1962) was "The diffusion effect is the cumulatively increasing degree of influence upon an individual to adopt or reject an innovation in a social system". The idea of social systems playing an integral role in diffusion theory I believe was a particularly valid point and a theory to inspire thought, I'd like to know more about what others think of this reading! Once again I found that Fisher, Erdelez & McKechnie's Information Behaviour provided good introductory knowledge into Social Capital but that Lin & Smith's work further developed the idea. I found it interesting that the higher social capital that one has achieved, then there is a better quality of social resources and they are more likely to encounter useful information. I particularly enjoyed when Lin & Smith further elaborated on social capital for example by referring to it as investments in social relations, describing social capital as a byproduct of our social structures and the in-depth analysis done into its 'macrostructure'. I was at first confused by the theory of Strength of Weak Ties however after finishing all the readings I felt as though I had a better understanding. Roger's idea of 'Heterophily' and 'Homophily' I believe are of relevance to Granovetter's theory of Weak Ties as they take into account the degree of interaction between individuals. Furthermore, I think reading Khoo's Issues in Information Behaviour will help to understand this theory with greater clarity as best described by Khoo (2014) "Information shared with a strong tie group tends to stay within the group whereas information shared with a weak tie is usually shared outside a group and tends to get disseminated further compared to strong ties". Granovetter discusses the scale of interactions, the strength of interpersonal relationships and the infiltration and dissemination of information within social networks. I particularly enjoyed his point on social networks being shaped yet also constrained by information and behaviour, some food for thought. Overall by the end of Granovetter's piece I felt as though this idea was almost a combination of social capital and diffusion theory but I would like to read more on what others in the class think
(2)After reading through all the comments so far I must say everyone is raising some very interesting and creative points. Eleonora, Sarah and David C interestingly referenced how individual behaviour has changed throughout the pandemic. I also noticed Gerald and Sarah both pointing out the rise of conspiracy theories and echo chambers which I loved reading. I particularly enjoyed their points on weak ties contributing to a social isolation which gives rise to the echo chamber effect (I've done a lot of prior research for assignments over the years into systematic disinformation production, filter bubbles and echo chambers which is why I found it so interesting). David C said that our worlds have become so insular and I think that is so very true and as the pandemic continues we will witness a change within social interactions and individual behaviours the likes of which have never been seen before
(3)It's nice to see that people are particularly liking Granovetter's 'Weak Ties', Khoo's 'Information Behaviour on Social Media' and Lin & Smith's 'Social Capital'. I look forward to seeing more enlightening discussions and for everyone who has not posted yet please make sure you do as soon as you can!

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Week 6 : Information and Communication Where We Work

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Week 6 : Information and Communication Where We Work

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Case in Looking For Information Chapter 11 reviews and concludes his work on information seeking. I enjoyed reading through Case’s work as it gave insights into information seeking, motivations to information seeking and the use of information. Case provided a tremendous framework or microstructure of information seeking and aspects of it. From the final chapter I particularly enjoyed the “Ten Lessons of Information Behaviour Research” as it summarises and highlights significant aspects of the text such as “More information is not always better” or “Sometimes information doesn’t help” or “Information seeking is not always about sense-making”. The reading by Kerins, Madden and Fulton explored information seeking behaviour among engineering and law students and found that Irish students are in need of greater information literacy skills. I found particularly interesting that with regards to approaches in information seeking that the accessibility, quality and trustworthiness of the source is of great significance. Another point I found interesting was the module (Engineering, Law, etc.) influences approaches to information seeking. Fulton’s piece was very insightful as it highlighted a severe lack of services and information for individuals who suffer from harmful gambling. It was interesting that there is a lack of regulation and social policies regarding harmful gambling in a time where there is a rapid influx of individuals seeking services regarding harmful gambling and addiction. I was glad to see mentioned the effect of harmful gambling on family, friends and community and that they feel a reduction in shame and stigma is necessary to create a dialogue and highlight the lack of regulation over the gambling industry and the development of services and resources necessary for this goal.

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Week 7 :  Information and Communication in Particular Group Contexts

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Week 7 :  Information and Communication in Particular Group Contexts

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Hagar’s reading regarding trust was both profoundly insightful and informative as it highlighted the relationship between trust and information seeking. The farmers during the Foot and Mouth crisis had to quarantine within their homes, there was one quote which resonated with me which was referring to their experience as “isolation within isolation”. I felt this reading was particularly interesting given our current pandemic disaster/crisis and how people choose whom and/or what information sources to trust. Trust as highlighted throughout this piece is integral to information exchange “Trust allows the exchange of knowledge, facilitates exchanges among individuals, enhances cooperation and coordination, and contributes to more effective social and organizational relationships”. Information uncertainty and levels of trust can shape individual personal experience. A point I found particularly interesting from this piece was that of community trust, trust in local and known people rather than appointed governing officials. This sparked a thought which was is there a dependency on information during a pandemic/crisis which is confined to local contexts? The reading by Sonnenwald further elaborated on the trust factor within information seeking as it is an integral aspect of information behaviour. This was an interesting piece as it analysed the role of emotion in information sharing within the context of command-and-control information sharing. A particularly interesting point brought up was does distrusting behaviour supersede that of trusting behaviour? And what are the implication of this issue? From London’s air ambulance video, it was clear that creating a trusting environment is integral within disasters as made clear from the ValuJet Flight 592 crash which highlighted information seeking within tragedies. The London air ambulance prioritises getting to the patient as timely as possible however there is still a high mortality rate and issues with funding. There is a sparse difference between the trusting environments of the air ambulance and the air crash as one attempts to facilitate a trusting habitat whereas the other promotes the dissemination of false or incorrect information.

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I looked at Citizens Information Ireland however I gave particular attention to the Covid-19 subsections. Their main communication pathways appeared to be through the website itself and lacking a social media presence for information dissemination, however there is also a network of information centres or an information phone service. The phone contact service runs from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm however you can request a call back from a designated 'information provider' which I found particularly interesting having a form of information gatekeeping. The goal of Citizens Information is "To ensure that individuals have access to accurate, comprehensive and clear information relating to social services" and with their Covid-19 A to Z information index I am confident their information provision to the public is of a high standard.

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Week 9 : Managing Workplace Information and Communication

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Week 9 : Managing Workplace Information and Communication

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Ford's Introduction to Information Behaviour chapter 7 noted that theories are representations of our thinking and understanding regarding specific phenomenon. There have been so many models for information behaviour however I particularly enjoyed Ellis' (1989) model as it was simple to understand the information behaviour process. One interesting note that stood out to me was the difference between passive attention and active searching (I would love to see other thoughts on this if it stood out to anyone else). This chapter highlighted to me that it is not a simple process to define information seeking behaviour within individuals as a result of the plethora of theories such as activity theory or sense-making theory. The cold fusion story was interesting as it made clear that scientists need information to be aware of similar research and they need critical feedback from objective peers for effective scientific communication/collaboration. One very interesting point I found from this story was that scientist seem much less concerned with the information source and are more concerned about access to said information. I found the social positioning theory enlightening due to its everyday applicability. One point I found extremely interesting is the theory's applicability in determining an individuals position within the social hierarchy of society.

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Week 10 : The Evolving Area of Human Interaction & Our Professional Commitment

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Week 10 : The Evolving Area of Human Interaction & Our Professional Commitment

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I thoroughly enjoyed the reading by Burnett and Erdelez as they reported upon the Fish Bowl Dialogue. This dialogue was to speculate the next ten years for information behaviour research and was a session that helped foster interaction and dialogue between researchers instead of creating research silos. I enjoyed the point that everyone got to convey information they found significant in order to further the pursuit of collective knowledge gathering. The reading I sourced which I found beneficial in furthering my understanding of information behaviour within my profession was Post truth, Truthiness, and Alternative Facts by Cooke (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/692298). Cooke described how knowledge of information behaviour and critical evaluation skills can help in combating effects of fake news and promote positive critical information literacy skills. One point I found particularly interesting was that of 'truthiness' and the perils of accepting arguments and information that appeal to our emotions.

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Week 11 : Translating Observed Patterns of Behaviour into Models

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Week 11 : Translating Observed Patterns of Behaviour into Models

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It's nice to see that others enjoyed the Nahl and Bilal reading. Throughout this module it became more apparent to me the roles of emotion in the information seeking process. Regarding the reading there were numerous points I found incredibly interesting. The first is the affordances that technology bring to us from rapid information dissemination, reception and use to allowing personalised information consumption. This personalised information consumption can be gamed by designers who incorporate this affective dimension of technology into future developments. One quote I found incredibly interesting was "all information needs, seeking, reception and use is processed through emotions.". I also found extremely interesting the difference between evaluative and consummatory information reception and motivational information use. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Affect Control Theory which reminds one to acknowledge the role of emotion in cognitive operations. For my personally sourced reading (https://crl.acrl.org/index.php/crl/article/viewFile/16393/17839) (The Whole Student: Cognition,Emotion, and Information Literacy) I chose to further my research into the role of cognition and emotion in information literacy. This piece examines student competency through emotion, cognition and information literacy while also exploring the impacts of emotional intelligence, abstract reasoning, dispositional affects, coping skills and motivations on students information literacy skills.

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My observation project centred around a food truck in which I observed both workers and patrons in a forest park setting. The groups observed were workers (chefs and owner) and patrons (families, friends, individual people) which both had more subgroups than I anticipated. The theoretical frameworks utilised were Savolainen's Everyday Life Information Seeking (ELIS) and Agarwal's Exploring Context in Information Behaviour. One of my two key findings is that there was an abnormally high concentration of families whom use the park for leisure seeking (picnics, playpark, meeting other families, walks, etc.) as they make a day of it while getting locally produced food. Another key finding was that of leisure seeking overriding information behaviour as the majority of individuals appeared as though they were ambivalent to the current pandemic (not wearing masks, socially congregating with friends or family, and a disconnect to the 2 metre social distancing rules

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So far this year IS40030 has been my favourite module. From the beginning the reading material was insightful such as the consciousness' drive as it provided insights integral to understanding information behaviour and seeking. In my opinion the most significant thing I learned from the module was how to effectively use information behaviour and seeking in the context of everyday life. It was an eye opening experience and allowed me to better understand the world around me. The module gave invaluable theoretical frameworks in which to view the world such as in the context of leisure seeking, sense-making information seeking in everyday life, strength of ties, small world, social capital or the role played by trust in everyday life. This module has given me the fundamental skills needed to critically manage my own information flows but also to translated observed behaviours into insightful information from the studied models of information behaviour.