Archive for the ‘Research Paper’ Category
Published in the Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice, Vol. 3, No. 3. Click here to read the full journal article.
Abstract
Despite the number of developed theories, it still remains a difficult task for some established and emerging scholars in various academic fields to clearly articulate new theories from research studies. This paper reviews and collates the views of scholars on what a theory is and how a good theory can be developed. It explains the concept of a theory, and the different components that make up a theory. The paper discusses the different processes of theory development by emphasizing what theory is and what theory is not. This review found that scholars differ in their definition of a theory, which leads to using terms such as model, paradigm, framework, and theory interchangeably. It found the lack of theoretical constructs in a study to be one of the factors which explains why articles are rejected for publication. This paper may be of benefit to established researchers who may be struggling with theory development, and especially younger academics who are the future of scholarship in various academic fields, particularly in information science.
Information Seeking Behavior of Clergy: The Research, the Results, and the Future
Posted on: March 9, 2016
This is an electronic version of an article published in the Journal of Religious & Theological Information, Volume 14, Issue 1-2, pp. 13-29. (2015). Click here to read this version.
Abstract
This paper examines the information seeking studies carried out on the professional roles of the clergy, their use of information resources, the place of the Internet in their information seeking behavior, and the studies conducted on the clergy across different religions. Results show significant relationship between clergy’s doctrinal position and their information seeking behavior, which changes with work roles of the clergy. The clergy use both formal and informal sources depending on the particular work role they assume. However, not many models of information seeking behavior have been tested in studies of religious professionals. The paper argues that most previous studies of the information seeking behavior of clergy resulted in similar findings because the areas of focus have been limited in scope. Hence, there is a need to look at the issue from different perspectives using diverse methods and contexts in order to broaden the understanding of the clergy and their information seeking habits. The paper points out areas for further research with recommendations of suitable theoretical frameworks, which if applied or tested in information seeking research with religious clergy, may add value to the understanding of this issue.
The published article is available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/pWTKFJRTrt7Mdx65MQBv/full. DOI: 10.1080/10477845.2015.1035196
Examining the progression of mobile technologies and their applications to learning environment: Implications for m-learning in Africa
Posted on: March 9, 2016
Published in the International Journal of Research Studies in Educational Technology, Vol. 3, No. 2.
Abstract
Mobile technologies are promising features that point to the future of instruction and learning. This paper reviews literature on mobile technology in order to identify areas of focus for researchers with interest in Africa towards contextualizing the use of mobile technology for mobile learning (m-learning) within the African experience. It examined the uses of mobile technologies as explored by researchers and pointed out the benefits and drawbacks. This paper extracted the recommendations of researchers on how to overcome or correct the setbacks to the implementation of mobile technology into the learning environment. It recommended offline access to learning materials on mobile devices to be seriously contemplated for m-learning in Africa. There is need for further research in the developing world of Africa to measure the outcome of offline mobile learning and its effects on cost reduction, and to develop theoretical frameworks that will evaluate programs, learners and instructors for building effective instructional design using the mobile technologies. This paper draws a roadmap and sets the ball rolling for designers of mobile learning modules, instructors and researchers in the field of education to work in situating learning with mobile technology as a method of choice in the learning environment. It also demonstrates to learners the much functionality their mobile devices offer them in attaining their educational goals.
Click here to read the full journal article.
Seeking Information in Circles: The Application of Chatman’s Life in the Round Theory to the Information Small World of Catholic Clergy in Northern Nigeria
Posted on: February 24, 2016
This is the accepted version of the paper published in the Journal of Information Science. First published online, February 22, 2016. doi:10.1177/0165551516632659. Click here to read the accepted version.
Abstract
This study explores Chatman’s proposition of the theory of life in the round that members of a small world who live in the round will not cross the boundaries of their world to seek information. The study tests Chatman’s proposition to find out whether it is applicable to the special population of Catholic clergy. The study was conducted with Catholic clergy from Northern Nigeria. Findings show these clergy are not likely to cross boundaries of their small worlds to seek information about their ministry or private lives. They prefer to seek such information within their circle of clergy. The findings align with Chatman’s conclusion that life lived in the round has a negative influence on information seeking. This study advances the understanding of Chatman’s theory of life in the round and positions religious status as a factor that is capable of influencing the information seeking process.
The Published Journal article can be found here.
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