The structure of information behavior dissertations 2009–2018: Theories, methods, populations, disciplines

Abstract

Dissertations can be important sources of information about the future of a research field. These publications capture the ideas, theories, methods, and populations that emerging researchers deem important for study. Dissertation research often exhibits great rigor and innovation. This study of dissertations focuses on one specific field, which has importance in a large variety of academic disciplines: information behavior. An analysis of a sample of information behavior dissertations published in ProQuest Dissertations and Theses between 2009 and 2018 is performed. The top theories, methods, and study populations are identified using data functions to compile the results. While the majority of information behavior research originates in the discipline of library and information science (53%), the field is nonetheless highly interdisciplinary. The theories of Kuhlthau, Dervin, and Wilson are used extensively as frameworks in information behavior dissertations. Students are the most commonly studied population, while interview is the most commonly utilized research method. Information behavior is a diverse research field, stemming from a large number of disciplines and utilizing a broad group of theories, methods, and populations.