An investigation of the collaborative aspects of information seeking

  • Paul Prekop

    Student thesis: Master's Thesis

    Abstract

    This thesis develops a model of collaborative information. The model is built from an analysis of data collected from a collaborative information seeking and information analysis study (the Command and Control Support Study) undertaken by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). The main argument made by this thesis is that the information seeking activity performed by a group is different from information seeking activity performed by an individual.
    Previous literature describing information seeking has so far focused on individual information seeking with little literature focusing on collaborative information seeking. The model of collaborative information seeking described in this thesis was developed from a retrospective, Grounded Theory analysis of the Command and Control Support Study. Data was collected from the meeting minutes and via semi-structured interviews with participants involved in the Command and Control Support Study. The data was analysed using a Grounded Theory methodology, and a model of collaborative information seeking developed.
    The impact the collaborative information seeking model may have on the development of information seeking technology is discussed. Several potential technological implementations are also described.
    Date of Award1999
    Original languageEnglish

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