Ending the dance : a research agenda for affect and emotion in studies of information behaviour

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : Current trends necessitate the need to consider affect and emotion in information behaviour. A research agenda is required to ensure a systematic and holistic approach to information behaviour scholarship that will align research foci, methods and theories with the practical needs of society at large: where are information behaviour studies focusing on affect and emotion needed and what are the foci of studies to date?

METHOD : The cornerstones for a research agenda are outlined before discussing findings from an exploratory literature survey.

ANALYSIS : The literature review is organised around six broad themes: where, how, whom, why, when and what, with specific reference to information activities and interactions involving affect and emotion. For each theme, relevant information behaviour research is noted, and opportunities to extend research on affect and emotion are identified.

RESULTS : A research agenda is suggested that calls for tighter conceptualisation of affect and emotion, methods for setting research agendas, and researcher and research participant self-awareness of emotion and affect. These recommendations address the broad agenda themes, and have potential to align research findings with practical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS : This paper provides a foundation to explore a research agenda which addresses significant information-related needs, and expands the scope of information behaviour scholarship.