Abstract
PurposeTo elaborate the nature of critique presented in the models and concepts of human information behaviour (HIB) research by identifying the issues to which the critique is directed and the ways in which the critique is conducted.Design/methodology/approachConceptual analysis focusing on 58 key studies on the topic. First, the objects and ways of conducting the critique were identified. Thereafter, three levels of depth at which the critique is conducted were specified. The conceptual analysis is based on the comparison of the similarities and differences between the articulations of critique presented at these levels.FindingsAt the lowest level of depth, critique of HIB research is directed to the lack of research by identifying gaps and complaining the neglect or paucity of studies in a significant domain. At the level of critiquing the shortcomings of existing studies, the attention is focused on the identification and analysis of the inadequacies of concepts and models. Finally, constructive critiques of research approaches dig deeper in that they not only identify weaknesses of existing studies but also propose alternative in which the shortcomings can be avoided, and the conceptualizations of HIB enhanced.Research limitations/implicationsAs the study focuses on critiques addressed to HIB models and concepts, the findings cannot be generalized to concern the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) as a whole. Moreover, due to the emphasis of the qualitative research approach, the findings offer only an indicative picture of the frequency of the objects critiqued in HIB research.Originality/valueThe study pioneers by providing an in-depth analysis of the nature of critiques presented in a LIS research domain.
Highlights
Critique is an integral element of scientific discourse and a significant factor the advancement of research
Objects of critique: a quantitative overview To put the qualitative findings in a broader context, an indicative quantitative picture of the objects of critique is presented in Table 1, based on the distribution of 114 codes assigned to such objects in the sample of 58 studies
Of objects of this kind, the critical notions for the human information behaviour (HIB) models and concepts deemed too narrow are important, similar to criticisms directed to vague conceptualizations of HIB phenomena
Summary
Critique is an integral element of scientific discourse and a significant factor the advancement of research. Critique reveals vague concepts and methodological flaws offers constructive ideas about how to avoid such shortcomings and how to enhance a research approach. In this regard, critical notions presented by peers are important, and the nature of critique evidences the maturity of a research domain (Frawley, 2015). Kant set the agenda for the major strands of critique in contemporary philosophical thought, culminating in the works of Husserl, Popper, Habermas and Foucault They have approached critique as a systematic inquiry into the conditions and consequences of a concept, a theory or a discipline, attempting to understand their validity and limitations. The study revealed several weaknesses, for example, unclear construct definitions and operationalizations of “healthy leadership” behaviour
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