The use of self moderated focus groups to gather exploratory data on information beliefs and their impact on information seeking behaviour

Abstract

Section 6 of the "Repository policy for OpenAIR @ RGU" (available from http://www.rgu.ac.uk/staff-and-currentstudents/library/library-policies/repository-policies) provides guidance on the criteria under which RGU will consider withdrawing material from OpenAIR. If you believe that this item is subject to any of these criteria, or for any other reason should not be held on OpenAIR, then please contact openair-help@rgu.ac.uk with the details of the item and the nature of your complaint. GREEN MARCELLA, R. The use of self moderated focus groups to gather exploratory data on information beliefs and their impact on information seeking behaviour. 2018 MARCELLA, R. 2018. The use of self moderated focus groups to gather exploratory data on information beliefs and their impact on information seeking behaviour. Library and information science research [online], 40(1), pages 45-52. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2018.04.004 MARCELLA, R. 2018. The use of self moderated focus groups to gather exploratory data on information beliefs and their impact on information seeking behaviour. Library and information science research, 40(1), pages 45-52. Held on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://openair.rgu.ac.uk AUTHOR ACCEPTED ELSEVIER Library and information science research 0740-8188 BY-NC-ND 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 AbstractThe existence of an information belief system is tested for the first time through innovative use of self moderated focus groups. Initial generation of information beliefs was achieved in an open, unpredicted and unbiased way through focus groups. To remove researcher effect and promote informality in discussion, the researcher experimented with a novel approach -self moderated focus groups. A detailed study of 5 groups evaluates their effectiveness in encouraging free and spontaneous discussion and in eliciting unique information ideas or beliefs. Results show that self moderated focus groups encourage naturalistic discourse, take unpredictable directions and are fertile in uncovering unexpected beliefs. Disadvantages include lack of consistency and leader mirroring, with members adopting the style and tone of volunteer moderators. Consideration should be given to gender balance in group composition. The method is recommended where open and free flowing discussion is sought.

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“…The moderator, therefore, took a relatively active role in engaging with the themes, while not leading the direction of group response. The moderator has previously undertaken focus group research in a range of contexts: exploring information behaviour in political decision making; and as a tool to elicit examples of information beliefs (see, for example, Marcella, 2018). It was made clear to participants at the outset of the discussion that it would take the form of a true roundtable with free-flowing discourse and ideas emerging, rather than as a presentation by the authors followed by questions and debate.…”

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“…While focus groups can be self-moderated and provide valuable data, they can sometimes have challenges with consistency (Marcella, 2018). In order to safeguard confi dentiality, the identities of participants are not disclosed; instead, they are assigned codes.…”

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“…Pertanyaan terstruktur bersifat objektif. Pertanyaan tidak terstruktur digunakan karena memberikan lebih banyak informasi karena responden mengungkapkan pikirannya secara bebas (Marcella, 2018).…”