Introductory Readings

     Among other things, I will be keeping a running record of terms and/or key concepts from my readings as a student of library and information science here on this blog.  As I read new sources, they will be referenced as I gather the ideas and concepts they present.


Connaway & Powell Chapter 1

     Quantitative research  is defined as, “a problem-solving approach that is highly structured in nature and that relies on the quantification of concepts…for purposes of measurement and evaluation” (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 2).  The goal in pursuing of this type of research is to achieve results that can be understood, measured, and analyzed in a formulaic and replicable way.

     Qualitative research is defined as, “[a] focus on observing events from the perspective of those involved and attempt to understand why individuals behave as they do” (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 2).  Qualitative research deals much more with subjective, anecdotal evidence.  While not as simply quantifiable or replicable, this research is of its own value for specific purposes.


Wildemuth Chapter 1

     Information content is defined as “the substance of the information being created, communicated, stored, and/or transformed” (Wildemuth, 2009, p. 3).  While this may seem like a simple idea and an obvious definition, it is important to remember that information content appears in every stage of action with information.  It remains important at each stage to be able to identify the content in evaluating both process and result.

     Evidence-based practice is defined as "the application of research results to improve professional practice" (Wildemuth, 2009, p. 4). (Note: Wildemuth (2009, p. 4) refers to evidence-based practice as a "variation of the term evidence-based medicine," which its coiner, the Cochrane Collaboration, describes as “the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients[,]...[which] means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research” (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2010) (internal citations omitted).  This concept is important in that it makes a strong connection between the information gained from research and the utility of that information.

       
Williamson Chapter 1

     Basic research “is primarily concerned with deriving new knowledge and is only indirectly involved (if at all) with how that knowledge will be applied to specific practical problems.  Basic research tends to focus on theory building and/or hypothesis testing” (Williamson, 2000, p. 7).  While this type of research is often informed by practical question, its knowledge-driven approach lends itself to enhanced objectivity and decreased chance of bias in process and analysis.

    Applied research is “concerned with solving specific problems in real life situations.  It is much more pragmatic and emphasizes information which is immediately usable in the solution of actual problems.  It is more likely to be the type of research which is applicable to information environments and in business” (Williamson, 2000, p. 7).  While it may bear some danger of "intended" results driving research, the practical specificity of this type of research is invaluable and also very useful.


Sources for this entry's key concepts:


The Cochrane Collaboration (2010).  Evidence-based health care.  Retrieved from http://www.cochrane.org/about-us/evidence-based-health-care.

Connaway, L. & Powell, R. R. (2010). Basic research methods for librarians. 5th ed. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Wildemuth, B. (2009). Applications of social research methods to questions in information and library Science. ABC-CLIO, Incorporated.

Williamson, K. (2000). Research methods for students and professionals: Information management and systems. Wagga Wagga, NSW.