“Isms” in information science: constructivism, collectivism and constructionism

doi:10.1108/00220410510578023

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Journal of Documentation

ISSN: 0022-0418

Online from: 1945

Subject Area: Library and Information Studies

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“Isms” in information science: constructivism, collectivism and constructionism

Document Information:
Title:	“Isms” in information science: constructivism, collectivism and constructionism
Author(s):	Sanna Talja, (The University of Tampere Centre for Advanced Study (UTACAS), The Research Institute for Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland), Kimmo Tuominen, (Library of Parliament, Helsinki, Finland), Reijo Savolainen, (Department of Information Studies, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland)
Citation:	Sanna Talja, Kimmo Tuominen, Reijo Savolainen, (2005) "“Isms” in information science: constructivism, collectivism and constructionism", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 61 Iss: 1, pp.79 - 101
Keywords:	Information science, Libraries, Philosophy
Article type:	Conceptual paper
DOI:	10.1108/00220410510578023 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract:	Purpose – Describes the basic premises of three metatheories that represent important or emerging perspectives on information seeking, retrieval and knowledge formation in information science: constructivism, collectivism, and constructionism. Design/methodology/approach – Presents a literature-based conceptual analysis. Pinpoints the differences between the positions in their conceptions of language and the nature and origin of knowledge. Findings – Each of the three metatheories addresses and solves specific types of research questions and design problems. The metatheories thus complement one another. Each of the three metatheories encourages and constitutes a distinctive type of research and learning. Originality/value – Outlines each metatheory's specific fields of application.