Four approaches to user studies: user studies, information behaviour, information practice and information experience

Abstract

Despite the fact that user research constitutes a consolidated area of study with defined limits, it can entail terminological difficulties for researchers who are not familiar with it. This type of research can be traced, at least, under four different headings: user studies or information needs and uses studies; information behaviour or information-seeking behaviour; information practices and information experience. This paper presents a basic analysis of the founding theoretical and methodological features which help understand what is behind these headlines, why they came to be used and what kind of research can be found under these four headings. The aim is to facilitate the exhaustive retrieval of specialized bibliography, as well as critical reading, taking into account these theoretical and methodological considerations.