The Information Search Process-Carol Kuhlthau

It's funny, before reading about the ISP I never really put much thought into what goes on when a person begins an ISP and the commonalities that are faced by individuals looking for information to learn about any topic. Upon reading the different steps in the process and the affective aspects of each of them, it became very obvious from my own research experience as a student thus far that I had experienced these steps myself a whole lot of times. I found it reassuring to read and it helped me realize that feelings of confusion and uncertainty are common to the ISP in general (It’s not just ME!!). I do not think that the information presented in this article will necessarily change how I approach my research in the future as I feel like I have already learned how to navigate this process pretty successfully over time in school with the direction of my instructors. It does however make me feel a little less reluctant to reach out for help if I feel like I have reached the zone of intervention.  

Step 1. Initiation

I find this usually to be the easiest part of the ISP. I am a pretty universally curious person so It is not typically too difficult to come up with potential topics of research. Discussing potential topics with instructors or other students is also a great help if needed. I also just like to look at various articles I find online or on databases, or books in the library to get general ideas of something I might be interested in.

Step 2: Selection

Sometimes I find that I like to look into more than one focus topic before selecting a final focus for my research. Looking into a couple of different topics will generally help to determine which topic has the most current, and most reputable information available to use in your discussion. If I look into one possible topic and find that there really is just not much as far as scientific literature or there is nothing new to add to a topic that is very popular I might decide to select another topic or further narrow my focus.

Step 3: Exploration

I certainly agree that exploration can be significantly frustrating aspect of ISP. I have found in this step that I usually have to reassess my original thoughts as to how to approach the question after learning more about it. Narrowing the topic and selecting a focus then creates a better sense of confidence about the topic. I have found on multiple occasions that if my topic of choice is not focused enough and I continue the ISP all the way through to the presentation step and my essay, or other project, it just does not seem as organized or effective as I usually would hope. I think that narrowing a question or a topic is most important in my own process.  I sometimes also find that my original question was not as relevant as I originally thought leading me to decide to focus on another aspect of the topic or a different question about it.

The zone of intervention was an interesting concept to me. I have had the experience of having people try to help me when I am not in that zone which can be extremely unhelpful and cause more uncertainty or confusion. However, at a certain point I might reach a cognitive “dead end” and then help from another person who might know something I do not, or asking for a general outside perspective on the topic can be helpful. Honestly, as a senior I do not know how many times I have begun my ISP for an essay and as I was exploring the information, began to discuss it with my significant other. Sometimes his ideas as to how and where my topic could go can be frustrating when I think I know where my focus should go already. However, I will credit him and his new perspectives on a topic for helping me reach breakthroughs on my ideas and approaches to topics when I have hit a dead end. This often helps me move past uncertainty can into the next step of the process.

Step 4: Formulation

Once I feel like I have a better grasp on the general topic and a narrow enough focus for my research formulating my approach, including structure of my presentation becomes more important. Paying attention to audience and what I am trying to ultimately accomplish through my presentation is also key. This will also guide what types of information I collect.

Step 5: Collection

Usually by this point, confidence has greatly increased for me. I already have a general idea of what information is out there on my narrowly focused topic so I begin to find the best sources of information for my topic and purpose.

Step 6: Presentation

The culmination of the ISP, presentation, is usually a relief and provides a sense of accomplishment as mentioned by Kuhlthau. If I have put enough time and effort into the ISP and the project at hand and have focused my topic narrowly enough to feel confident in the information presented then I am proud that I have learned something new. This might be a jumping off point to exploration of more detailed aspects of the topic as well if I wish to build upon the knowledge gained.