A multidimensional approach to the study of human-information interaction: A case study of collaborative information retrieval

While most research in the area of human-information behavior has focused on a single dimension—either the psychological or the social—this case study demon-strated the importance of a multidimensional approach. The Cognitive Work Analysis framework guided this field study of one event of collaborative information retrieval (CIR) carried out by design engineers at Microsoft, in-cluding observations and interviews. Various dimen-sions explained the motives for this CIR event and the challenges the participants encountered: the cognitive dimension, the specific task and decision, the organiza-tion of the teamwork, and the organizational culture. Even though it is difficult at times to separate one di-mension from another, and all are interdependent, the analysis uncovered several reasons for design engineers to engage in CIR, such as when they are new to the organization or the team, when the information lends itself to various interpretations, or when most of the needed information is not documented. Similar multidi-mensional studies will enhance our understanding of human-information behavior. The last two decades have seen an increased interest in the study of human-information behavior. In addition to a rise in the number of user studies, the field has experienced a growth in theoretical development that has introduced new conceptual frameworks and expanded on existing ones (Pet-tigrew, Fidel, & Bruce, 2001). Various objectives have directed conceptual research in information behavior. Parts of it aimed at developing theories and concepts that would guide research in this area (e.g., Bates, 1989; Ellis, 1989