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  • × author_ss:"Ford, N."
  1. Ford, N.: Web-based learning through educational informatics : information science meets educational computing (2008) 0.04
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    Abstract
    Explores the role of information seeking and retrieval in the development of information systems to support personalized and autonomous learning.
    Content
    Inhalt: Learning: Basic Processes - Introduction - Basic Information Processes - Integrating Themes - Where do Integrating Themes come From? - Theory Generation and Testing - Learning: Individual Differences - Styles of Learning - Levels of Learning - References - Education - Educational Philosophies and Learning Design - Autonomy and Mediation - Library and Information Science - Standards for Supporting Resource Discovery - Information Seeking and Autonomous Learning - Information Seeking as Conversations - ICT Developments: Resource Discovery - Tools and Techniques to Support Information Seeking and Resource Discovery - Metadata - Ontologies and the Semantic Web - Educational Metadata and Ontologies - ICT Developments: Learning Design And Teaching - Intelligent and Adaptive Tutoring Systems - Learning Environments and Interoperability - General ICT-Based Developments - Educational Opportunities Afforded by ICT Developments - Educational Informatics Systems: Individual Approaches - Metadata-Enabled Learning Resource Discovery - Adaptive Systems for Personalised Resource Discovery - Open Corpus Resource Discovery - From Supplantation to Metacognition - Educational Informatics Systems: Social Approaches - Alternative Pedagogies - Educational Informatics Systems that Learn - Community-Based Learning - Real World Learning - Theory and Practice - Educational Informatics Support for Critical Thinking and Creativity - Making Sense of Research: Generating Useful Real World Knowledge - Going Forward: Research Issues and the Future - Different Perspectives on Educational Informatics Developments - Types Of Evidence - Contingent Dependencies, and Object and Meta Languages - Reality Checking For Quality Control - Towards the Learning Web
    Imprint
    Hershey, Pa. : Information Science
  2. Ford, N.: Creativity and convergence in information science research : the roles of objectivity and subjectivity, constraint, and control (2004) 0.04
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    Abstract
    Objectivity, in the form of the application of external scrutiny according to standards agreed within a research community, is an essential characteristic of information science research whether pursued from positivist, interpretative, or action research perspectives. Subjectivity may represent both a legitimate focus of research (e.g., people's perceptions and attitudes) and a legitimate component of methodology (e.g., enabling researchers to enter, experience, and share the perceived worlds of their subjects). However, subjectivity that both (a) is not open to external scrutiny and (b) gives rise to contingent dependencies is problematic for research. The issue of problematic types of subjectivity is considered, and the contributions to the debate concerning possible solutions of two key thinkers - the cybernetician Gordon Pask and the methodological philosopher Brenda Dervin - are discussed. The need identified by Dervin for researchers to be able to escape (expose and test) their own assumptions is explored in terms of a dynamic interplay between relatively subjective and objective forces, each requiring the liberating and constraining energies of the other. The extent to which meta-methodological awareness - a prerequisite for any such escape - can be fostered, for example, by the quality of research environments, is explored along with implications for those responsible for managing and funding research.
    Source
    Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology. 55(2004) no.13, S.1169-1182
  3. Ford, N.: ¬The growth of understanding in information science : towards a developmental model (1999) 0.03
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    Content
    Beitrag eines Themenheftes: The 50th Anniversary of the Journal of the American Society for Information Science. Pt.2: Paradigms, models, and models of information science
    Date
    17. 1.2000 13:16:22
    Source
    Journal of the American Society for Information Science. 50(1999) no.12, S.1141-1152
  4. Ford, N.: Introduction to information behaviour (2015) 0.03
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    Date
    22. 1.2017 16:45:48
    LCSH
    Information behavior
    Subject
    Information behavior
  5. Wood, F.; Ford, N.; Miller, D.; Sobczyk, G.; Duffin, R.: Information skills, searching behaviour and cognitive styles for student-centred learning : a computer-assisted learning approach (1996) 0.02
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    Abstract
    Undergraduates were tested to establish how they searched databases, the effectiveness of their searches and their satisfaction with them. The students' cognitive and learning styles were determined by the Lancaster Approaches to Studying Inventory and Riding's Cognitive Styles Analysis tests. There were significant differences in the searching behaviour and the effectiveness of the searches carried out by students with different learning and cognitive styles. Computer-assisted learning (CAL) packages were developed for three departments. The effectiveness of the packages were evaluated. Significant differences were found in the ways students with different learning styles used the packages. Based on the experience gained, guidelines for the teaching of information skills and the production and use of packages were prepared. About 2/3 of the searches had serious weaknesses, indicating a need for effective training. It appears that choice of searching strategies, search effectiveness and use of CAL packages are all affected by the cognitive and learning styles of the searcher. Therefore, students should be made aware of their own styles and, if appropriate, how to adopt more effective strategies
    Source
    Journal of information science. 22(1996) no.2, S.79-92
  6. Ford, N.: Modeling cognitive processes in information seeking : from Popper to Pask (2004) 0.01
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    Abstract
    This report explores the intellectual processes entailed during information seeking, as information needs are generated and information is sought and evaluated for relevance. It focuses an the details of cognitive processing, reviewing a number of models. In particular, Popper's model of the communication process between an individual and new information is explored and elaborated from the perspective of Pask's Conversation Theory. The implications of this theory are discussed in relation to the development of what Cole has termed "enabling" information retrieval systems.
    Footnote
    Teil eines Themenheftes zu: Information seeking research
    Source
    Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology. 55(2004) no.9, S.769-782
    Theme
    Information
  7. Ford, N.: Towards a model of learning for educational informatics (2004) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Based on a review of constructs that have been the subject of both educational and information science research, a model of learning-related information behaviour is developed. The model details components of such behaviour, including: basic information processes, information processing types and information processing approaches; and factors affecting information behaviour relating to educational environments (in particular, learning objectives) and mental (including cognitive and affective) states. The complexity of information needs and associated relevance judgements implied by the model are discussed, as are implications for the provision of cognitively and affectively ergonomic access to information, and for research into learning-related information behaviour.
  8. Ford, N.: New cognitive directions (2005) 0.01
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    Abstract
    This chapter explores cognitive issues relating not only to the use and effectiveness of information retrieval (IR) systems, but also to the generation of new research knowledge relevant to enhancing such use and to the development of improved systems. There is still much that we do not know about how effectively, or not as the case may be, current IR systems support different individuals and groups of people in effectively acquiring the knowledge they need to help them in the tasks in which they are engaged. We need greater levels of knowledge of how we might optimize the symbiotic interactions between IR systems and people working in different contexts, and of the directions we might most profitably take in the development of new systems. The chapter begins by establishing working definitions of "knowledge", "information", "understanding", and related concepts including "information retrieval" and "information behavior". Such definitions are necessary if we are to achieve any clear focus on what are important issues for the evaluation and development of IR systems and practices. Knowledge is defined here as a conceptual system that enables its possessor (whether human or machine) to act in the world (e.g. in the form of autonomous activity or response to stimuli). Information is defined here as potential knowledge, and understanding as the process of transforming information into knowledge. Perceiving an information need represents the realization that one is in a situation for which one's existing knowledge is not adequate. Information is needed to generate, via understanding, appropriate new knowledge. However, the need for knowledge is broader than the information need in that the former entails defining the nature of the sought-for knowledge, as opposed to the type and nature of the information which may be used to generate it. Importantly in this context, functionally the same knowledge may be generated via the processing of alternative items of information. The realization and specification of the knowledge need, along with the evaluation of information behavior in terms of its contribution to satisfying the knowledge need, are termed here knowledge behavior. Information behavior comprises those activities entailed in the acquisition of information that may be transformed into knowledge. It subsumes information encountering and information seeking, the latter subsuming searching and retrieval. Although information retrieval is often used narrowly to denote the latter activity taking place within information seeking, a broader definition is used here to include the development, use and evaluation of systems designed to support the range of activities denoted by the term information behavior.
    Series
    The information retrieval series, vol. 19
    Source
    New directions in cognitive information retrieval. Eds.: A. Spink, C. Cole
  9. Wood, F.; Ford, N.; Walsh, C.: ¬The effect of postings information on search behaviour (1994) 0.01
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    Abstract
    How postings information is used for inverted file searching was investigated by comparing searches, made by postgraduate students at the Dept. of Information Studies, of the LISA database on CD-ROM with and without postings information. Performance (the number of relevant references, precision and recall) was not significantly different but searches with postings information took more time, and more sets were viewed, than in searches without postings. Postings information was used to make decisions to narrow or broaden the search; to view or print the references. The same techniques were used to amend searches whether or not postings information was available. Users decided that a search was satisfactory on the basis of the search results, and consequently many searches done without postings were still considered satisfactory. However, searchers thought that the lack of postings information had affected 90% of their searches. Differences in search performance and searching behaviour were found in participants who were shown to have different learning styles using the Witkin's Embedded Figures test and the Lancaster Short Inventory of Approaches to Learning Test. These differences were, in part, explained by the differences in behaviour indicated by their learning styles
    Source
    Journal of information science. 20(1994) no.1, S.29-40
  10. Ford, N.; Ford, R.: Cognitive styles and database access (1992) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Describes an experiment conducted with 30 post graduate information science and librarianship students to discover how they might go about learning from an ideal database. A system was created which preserved the characteristics of a computer based environment, yet which freed itself from the constraints of current technology. The students were, in fact, interacting via computer screen with 2 human expert backed up with appropriate computer files and documentation. Results suggest a number of different information accessing strategies linked to relatively successful and less successful retrieval. Discusses the implications of the results for the design of computerized information retrieval systems
    Imprint
    Oxford : Learned Information Ltd.
    Source
    Online information 92. Proc. of the 16th Int. Online Information Meeting, London, 8-10.12.1992. Ed. by David I. Raitt
  11. Woods, F.; Walsh, C.; Ford, N.: Effects of postings information on user searching behaviour (1994) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Reports results of an investigation, undertaken at Sheffield University, Departmant of Information Studies, UK into the effects of postings information (the display on the screen of the number of references in the retrieved sets) on searching behaviour. Linked online searches were conducted, on the LISA database on CD-ROM, with and without postings information. Performance in terms of the number of relevant references, precision and recall was not significantly different whether postings information was available or not; but searches with postings information took more time and more sets were viewed than in searches without postings. Searchers thought that the lack of postings information had affected 90% of their searches. Proposes that training should place greater emphasis on the value of postings information at different stages of the search and should optimize the searching behaviour of those with different searching styles
  12. Ford, N.; Ford, R.: Towards a cognitive theory of information accessing : an empirical study (1993) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Reports on a project which aimed to simulate querying of an ideal system which could respond to any kind of questioning phrased in any way. 30 users accessed a system the knowledge base of which (unknown to them) included 2 human experts. The interactions between users and the system were logged and analyzed. The results reveal different information accessing strategies linked to individual user characteristics and retrieval effectiveness. Discusses implication for the design of improved information retrieval systems
    Source
    Information processing and management. 29(1993) no.5, S.569-585
  13. Spink, A.; Wilson, T.D.; Ford, N.; Foster, A.; Ellis, D.: Information seeking and mediated searching : Part 1: theoretical framework and research design (2002) 0.01
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    Abstract
    In this issue we begin with the first of four parts of a five part series of papers by Spink, Wilson, Ford, Foster, and Ellis. Spink, et alia, in the first section of this report set forth the design of a project to test whether existing models of the information search process are appropriate for an environment of mediated successive searching which they believe characterizes much information seeking behavior. Their goal is to develop an integrated model of the process. Data were collected from 198 individuals, 87 in Texas and 111 in Sheffield in the U.K., with individuals with real information needs engaged in interaction with operational information retrieval systems by use of transaction logs, recordings of interactions with intermediaries, pre, and post search interviews, questionnaire responses, relevance judgments of retrieved text, and responses to a test of cognitive styles. Questionnaires were based upon the Kuhlthau model, the Saracevic model, the Ellis model, and incorporated a visual analog scale to avoid a consistency bias.
    Source
    Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology. 53(2002) no.9, S.695-703
  14. Foster, A.; Ford, N.: Serendipity and information seeking : an empirical study (2003) 0.01
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  15. Caregnato, S.; Ford, N.; Loughridge, B.: Expert systems support for subject librarians or subject specialists in academic libraries (1994) 0.01
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    Source
    Information research news. 4(1994) no.3, S.2-6
  16. Ford, N.: Information retrieval and creativity : towards support for the original thinker (1999) 0.01
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    Abstract
    This is a speculative paper in which the requirements of IR systems to support relatively creative, as well as more convergent thinking are discussed. The nature of creative thinking is explored, as is the extent to which a range of current information systems is able to support key intellectual processes associated with it. The development of IR systems capable of providing more direct support for creative thinking will depend on the greater integration of high order knowledge representations and flexible, fuzzy pattern-matching techniques. Such developments may enhance the ability of information seekers to place before themselves a range of information sufficiently - but not excessively - rich in diversity to facilitate the development of relatively divergent - as well as more convergent - ideas.
  17. Ford, N.: "Conversational" information systems : Extending educational informatics support for the web-based learner (2005) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review recent developments in educational informatics relating to the provision by information systems of pedagogical support to web-based learners, and to propose further investigation of the feasibility and potential value of web-based "conversational" information systems to complement adaptive hypermedia and information retrieval systems. Design/methodology/approach - The potential of Pask's conversation theory is considered as a potentially useful framework for the development of information systems capable of providing pedagogical support for web-based learners, complementary to that provided by existing computer-assisted learning and adaptive hypermedia systems. The potential role and application of entailment meshes are reviewed in relation to other forms of knowledge representation including classifications, semantic networks, ontologies and representations based on knowledge space theory. Findings - Concludes that conversation theory could be a useful framework to support the development of web-based "conversational" information that would complement aspects of computer-assisted learning, adaptive hypermedia and information retrieval systems. The entailment mesh knowledge representation associated with conversation theory provides the potential for providing particularly rich pedagogical support by virtue of its properties of cyclicity, consistency and connectivity, designed to support deep and enduring levels of understanding. Research limitations/implications - Although based on a considerable body of theoretical and empirical work relating to conversation theory, the paper remains speculative in that the gap is still great between, on the one hand, what has so far been achieved and, on the other, the practical realisation of its potential to enhance web-based learning. Much work remains to be done in terms of exploring the extent to which procedures developed and benefits found in relatively small-scale experimental contexts can effectively be scaled to yield enhanced support for "real world" learning-related information behaviour. Originality/value - The ideas of Pask, discussed in this paper, are capable of guiding the structuring of information according to parameters designed to facilitate deep and enduring understanding via interactive "conversational" engagement between the conceptual structures of information source authors and learners. If one can scale Pask's work to "real world" learning-related information behaviour, one can increase the range of web-based information systems and services capable of providing pedagogical support to web-based learners.
  18. Ford, N.; Lloyd-Williams, M.; Morris, C.: Intelligent adaptive systems for information delivery in the electronic library (1995) 0.01
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    Abstract
    Proposes the development of an 'intelligent document' as a key component of the future electronic library; in which the intelligent documents in a library collection may be thought of as the ability of documents or a collection of documents to adapt to differing characteristics of individual information seekers and users. Proposes the sort of intelligent document that could: identify particular learning strategies being used by individual users; classify them in terms of a model of learning capable of making explicit relationships between strategies, individual differences, learning tasks, and learning outcomes; and offer, on the basis of this model, individualized strategic advice (or take individualized strategic action) relating to how the user might most productively go forward. Describes results obtained during the study, conducted at the Department of Information Studies, Sheffield University, UK, involving PRECIS documents, fuzzy data analysis and artificial neural networks
    Source
    Electronic library and visual information research: Proceedings of the Second ELVIRA Conference (ELVIRA 2), Electronic Library and Visual Information Research, De Montfort University, Milton Keynes, May 1995. Ed. by M. Collier u, K. Arnold
  19. Ford, N.; Wilson, T.D.; Foster, A.; Ellis, D.; Spink, A.: Information seeking and mediated searching : Part 4: cognitive styles in information seeking (2002) 0.01
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    Abstract
    In "Part 4. Cognitive Styles in Information Seeking,'' where Ford is the primary author, the results of the application of the Riding's Cognitive Styles Analysis and the Pask's holist/serialist portion of the Ford's Study Process Questionnaire to the 111 U.K. participants. were correlated using Spearman's coefficient with reports of focused thinking, degree of change in the intermediary's perception of the problem and personal knowledge, problem stage, degree of differentiating activity, change in problem perception, engagement in exploring activity, changes in questioning, valuing of serendipitous information, and other variables. The results would indicate that field independent individuals report clearer more focused thinking, see themselves in an earlier problem stage, and report higher levels of change in perception of the problem. Holists value serendipity and report engagement in Kuhlthau's exploring stage. They are seen by intermediaries as exhibiting fewer changes in questioning behavior. A fifth section will appear in a later issue.
    Source
    Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology. 53(2002) no.9, S.728-735
  20. Spink, A.; Wilson, T.; Ellis, D.; Ford, N.: Modeling users' successive searches in digital environments : a National Science Foundation/British Library funded study (1998) 0.01
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    Abstract
    As digital libraries become a major source of information for many people, we need to know more about how people seek and retrieve information in digital environments. Quite commonly, users with a problem-at-hand and associated question-in-mind repeatedly search a literature for answers, and seek information in stages over extended periods from a variety of digital information resources. The process of repeatedly searching over time in relation to a specific, but possibly an evolving information problem (including changes or shifts in a variety of variables), is called the successive search phenomenon. The study outlined in this paper is currently investigating this new and little explored line of inquiry for information retrieval, Web searching, and digital libraries. The purpose of the research project is to investigate the nature, manifestations, and behavior of successive searching by users in digital environments, and to derive criteria for use in the design of information retrieval interfaces and systems supporting successive searching behavior. This study includes two related projects. The first project is based in the School of Library and Information Sciences at the University of North Texas and is funded by a National Science Foundation POWRE Grant <http://www.nsf.gov/cgi-bin/show?award=9753277>. The second project is based at the Department of Information Studies at the University of Sheffield (UK) and is funded by a grant from the British Library <http://www.shef. ac.uk/~is/research/imrg/uncerty.html> Research and Innovation Center. The broad objectives of each project are to examine the nature and extent of successive search episodes in digital environments by real users over time. The specific aim of the current project is twofold: * To characterize progressive changes and shifts that occur in: user situational context; user information problem; uncertainty reduction; user cognitive styles; cognitive and affective states of the user, and consequently in their queries; and * To characterize related changes over time in the type and use of information resources and search strategies particularly related to given capabilities of IR systems, and IR search engines, and examine changes in users' relevance judgments and criteria, and characterize their differences. The study is an observational, longitudinal data collection in the U.S. and U.K. Three questionnaires are used to collect data: reference, client post search and searcher post search questionnaires. Each successive search episode with a search intermediary for textual materials on the DIALOG Information Service is audiotaped and search transaction logs are recorded. Quantitative analysis includes statistical analysis using Likert scale data from the questionnaires and log-linear analysis of sequential data. Qualitative methods include: content analysis, structuring taxonomies; and diagrams to describe shifts and transitions within and between each search episode. Outcomes of the study are the development of appropriate model(s) for IR interactions in successive search episodes and the derivation of a set of design criteria for interfaces and systems supporting successive searching.
    Theme
    Information Gateway