Journal article
Hermeneutics: A Sketch of a Metatheoretical Framework for Library and Information Science Research
Information research, Vol.18(3), paper S08
09/01/2013
Abstract
Introduction. The present paper contributes to (meta)theoretical and methodological discussions in library and information science by exploring a conception of understanding developed within the tradition of hermeneutic philosophy and its virtues as a metatheoretical framework for information science.
Approach. The study clarifies key concepts of the hermeneutic philosophy of Hans-Georg Gadamer and sketches some of their methodological implications for research in information science.
Results. The study suggests that a hermeneutic framework emphasizes the interpretative nature of the domain of objects of information science and of the researcher’s access to it; the effects of the researcher’s prejudgments on her choice of research topics and on her approach to them; the importance of iteration in the process of data collection and of integration of ‘anomalous’ details into a coherent, meaningful whole at the level of data analysis; and the importance of repeating the study of the same phenomenon to acquire an ever richer understanding of it.
Conclusion. This study opens up new avenues for further exploration of the consequences of hermeneutic metatheory for information science research.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Hermeneutics: A Sketch of a Metatheoretical Framework for Library and Information Science Research
- Creators
- Iulian Vamanu
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Information research, Vol.18(3), paper S08
- ISSN
- 1368-1613
- eISSN
- 1368-1613
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/01/2013
- Academic Unit
- School of Library and Information Science; Center for Social Science Innovation
- Record Identifier
- 9984003187602771
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