Week 4: Metaphors for Information Behavior

Article 1

Bates, M. (1989). The design of browsing and berrypicking techniques for the online search interface. Online Review, 13 (5), 407-424.

Summary: Bates introduces an information retrieval model called "berrypicking" that improves upon older models by modelling itself on actual human behavior.

In her 1989 article, Bates attacks the classic information retrieval model, pointing out its limitations that had become more evident with further studies. This model focuses on a single user-generated query matched to the contents of a database, which yields a single set of results; but what the model assumes is that the user's information need which prompted the query is unchanged by the results of the search (Bates 3). Bates charges that real-life searches do not follow the single-query form of the classic model, but instead begin at one source or reference and proceed to move through a variety of sources (Bates 4). While I agree with Bates to a fairly large extent based on personal experience, I would argue that the classic model does have its uses for searches where the user has a specific question in mind, and desires a single answer. Thus in a ready reference-type query—what year was the Eiffel Tower built, for example—the classic model would probably be more useful.

But Bates' view of information retrieval is undeniably on the mark. Each new piece of information that users discover helps to provide new ideas, and consequently, she explains, a new query. Just as berries are scattered on a bush, so is information in a search, and the user must gather them one at a time (Bates 4). I found this to be the most compelling section of Bates' article, as she describes the search process in organic terms. It shifts. It evolves. It is part of us, a reflection of how we digest and process information. We take in information, and we adapt ourselves accordingly, whether in lifestyle, beliefs, etc. So Bates' model, attempting to put information retrieval in organic terms (to reflect the beings that use it) rather than mechanical, makes perfect sense.

Implications: We can learn from Bates' berrypicking model that flexibility is crucial. The ability to adapt to difficulties or to new information is key to successful searching. We need to be able to think outside of the box and try different methods to meet our patrons' information needs. By using the berrypicking model, we can better understand our patrons' behavior, and thus, them.




Article 2

Dervin, B. (1992). From the mind's eye of the user: The sense-making qualitative-quantitative methodology. In Glazier, J.D. & Powell, RR. Qualitative research in information management (pp. 61-84). Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited.

Summary: Dervin presents a new "sense-making" model to study human use of information and information systems. This model examines users and potential users and tries to determine what they want from the systems, what the get from the systems, and what they think about the process.


Analysis: I found the theoretical groundwork that Dervin used for the sense-making model to be too technical and dense to follow, especially considering my lack of experience with the social sciences. I found myself skipping ahead to study the diagrams and read through the interviews and then try to slog through Dervin's discussion. Oddly enough, it helped a little.

The sense-making model essentially tries to study human use of information and information systems by looking at human behavior. Its focus on user behavior makes it a little similar to Bates' berrypicking model, although instead of mimicking behavior, the sense-making model tries to understand the whys of user behavior. Dervin examines “the step-takings that human beings undertake to construct sense of their worlds,” comprised of internal and external behaviors (65). The main focus of the model is the information discontinuity, a gap in the user's knowledge. The user then tries to “bridge” this gap by defining the discontinuity and seeking information to answer it. Here, the focus is not on figuring out what information the user needs, but how they set about trying to fulfill that need.

I found the concept to be interesting, but ultimately my understanding was flawed because of the difficult language. I might be better served in trying to understand the concept by seeking another source that describes or paraphrases it.