Meta-synthesis of research on information seeking behaviour

Abstract

Introduction. Meta-synthesis methods may help to make more sense of information behaviour research evidence. Aims and objectives. The objectives are to: 1) identify and examine the theoretical research strategies commonly used in information behaviour research; 2) discuss meta-synthesis methods that might be appropriate to the type of research studies normally encountered in information behaviour research; and 3) propose some approaches. Method. The methods are literature-review based, with reflection and discussion of an existing meta-synthesis of research on women's information behaviour. Analysis. Information behaviour reviews are categorised according to prevailing paradigm and these paradigms mapped to those used in reviews of meta-synthesis in social science. Results. The range of inquiry paradigms used in information behaviour research is varied, with a strong emphasis on psychological (positivistic) approaches and constructivism. There are many approaches to meta-synthesis and the choice depends on the desired outcomes, as the example meta-synthesis illustrates. Conclusions. Meta-synthesis approaches, such as meta-ethnography and critical interpretative synthesis, may be applied to research in information behaviour.

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