Assignment Synthesis Examples
The assignments in INFO 200 are meant to build on student knowledge of a community’s information behavior, understanding of peer-reviewed research articles and community-created resources related to the group, and a synthesis of our course content with findings about the community. Blogging and the other major assignments should provide content and insights for the successful competition of the research paper. Content can be remixed and re-used.
LIS Model / Theory Research Summary
The purpose of this assignment is to introduce you to a major Library and Information Science (LIS) model or theory related to information behavior that may be used as a theoretical framework for your research paper. From the early modules devoted to information behavior, you will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of theories that may be applicable to your chosen information community. Some of these theories have been developed by scholars in LIS, while others were developed in related disciplines. Our attention will focus on those theories that are most likely to be applicable to your research paper.
Blog Reports
The purpose of this assignment is to promote reflection and consideration of course content throughout the semester. Using blogs allows you to gain experience with the tool as well as “think out loud” about course content. Let your blogging be a reflection of your own curiosity and ideas about our course. Follow your thoughts where they go.
Information Sources Survey
The purpose of this assignment is to introduce you to the types of information sources used by information providers and their communities. Its goal is to help you to identify and evaluate information sources and determine their appropriate users and uses.
Literature Review Matrix
A literature review is a critical description of the scholarly writings on a given topic. Its purpose is to evaluate what has already been written and to identify areas needing further study. If you were writing a formal research paper, the literature review would also provide background for your own study and demonstrate what contribution your research would make to the field.
Research Paper
The goal of this assignment is to give you experience in writing a graduate-level research paper. You will be required to identify an information community to examine, locate and critically evaluate the scholarly and professional literature relating to that community’s information-seeking behavior and needs, gather additional data about your users’ information practices and preferences from community-based resources, and report on the results.