Trace data visualisation enquiry: a methodological coupling for studying information practices in relation to information systems

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether and how a methodological coupling of visualisations of trace data and interview methods can be utilised for information practices studies.Design/methodology/approachTrace data visualisation enquiry is suggested as the coupling of visualising exported data from an information system and using these visualisations as basis for interview guides and elicitation in information practices research. The methodology is illustrated and applied through a small-scale empirical study of a citizen science project.FindingsThe study found that trace data visualisation enquiry enabled fine-grained investigations of temporal aspects of information practices and to compare and explore temporal and geographical aspects of practices. Moreover, the methodology made possible inquiries for understanding information practices through trace data that were discussed through elicitation with participants. The study also found that it can aid a researcher of gaining a simultaneous overarching and close picture of information practices, which can lead to theoretical and methodological implications for information practices research.Originality/valueTrace data visualisation enquiry extends current methods for investigating information practices as it enables focus to be placed on the traces of practices as recorded through interactions with information systems and study participants' accounts of activities.

No rose on this one?

“…The analysis drew on an information practices-oriented methodological coupling approach for spatially investigating trace data in relation to traditional ethnographically inclined methods (cf. Ekström, 2022bEkström, , 2022c. This approach enabled the investigation of how biodiversity citizen science information practices are enabled and constrained through material objects (Ekström, 2022b(Ekström, , 2022c) by zooming in and out of practice (Nicolini, 2009).…”

“…Ekström, 2022bEkström, , 2022c. This approach enabled the investigation of how biodiversity citizen science information practices are enabled and constrained through material objects (Ekström, 2022b(Ekström, , 2022c) by zooming in and out of practice (Nicolini, 2009). Comprising an abductive approach (cf.…”

“…It is of great significance in practice-based studies to be able to investigate the empirical setting closely while still being able to consider the setting from afar. Drawing on the methodological approach of combining participant observation and trace data studies (Ekström, 2022b(Ekström, , 2022c, participants' information practices and their reported findings, as uploaded to Artportalen, were analysed. In the present study, this coupling of methods invoked the methodological strategy of zooming in and out of practice (cf.…”

“…In turn, the approach enabled the analytical emphasis of geographical aspects of information practices, retroactive understandings of what is made visible from the field excursions and the examination of metadata as traces of information practices, as proposed in previous research (cf. Ekström, 2022bEkström, , 2022c. By so doing, it was possible to emphasise and articulate closely investigated aspects such as doings and sayings enacted in the field, bodily movements and the role that material objects play out, as well as considering distantly examined aspects as, for instance, relationships between practices and the effects of the global on the local (cf.…”

Thousands of examining eyes: credibility, authority and validity in biodiversity citizen science data production

“…, 2019, p. 9). Related, previous research has found that participants' in biodiversity citizen science gradually come to understand the importance of well-taken photographs for assisting species identification (Ekström, 2022b). These validation ambitions need further investigations in relation to the establishment of credibility and authority through information practices.…”