How theories of information can contribute to the development of literature search methods for realist reviews

Background Guidance on literature searching for systematic reviews has typically prioritised searches of bibliographic databases over other search methods. Bibliographic databases are recommended because the search terms can... [ view full abstract ]

Background

Guidance on literature searching for systematic reviews has typically prioritised searches of bibliographic databases over other search methods. Bibliographic databases are recommended because the search terms can be transparently documented and reproduced by other searchers, and the main databases cover a wide range of journals which minimises bias.

Realist reviews have different literature requirements to traditional systematic reviews. Traditional systematic reviews are topic focused, whereas realist reviews are theory focused. Subsequently, the appropriateness of traditional bibliographic database search methods for realist reviews has been challenged, and information scientists have sought to develop new literature search methods. Perhaps most prominent is Booth’s (2013) CLUSTER search method, which uses a variety of berry picking methods outlined by the information scientist Bates (1989).

This presentation will advocate that – in addition to redressing information science practice – information scientists should redress information science theory in order to adequately resource realist reviews.

Methods

This presentation will further the development of literature searching for realist reviews by demonstrating how theories of information inform the development of literature search methods. An overview of two opposing theories of information will be presented with reference to the debate between the prominent information scientists Bates and Hjorland – in particular, Hjorland’s (2007) critique of Bates’ work as “objectivist” and his advocacy of the socio-cognitive theory of information will be discussed. Examples of how Bates and Hjorland’s theories of information can contribute to the development of literature search methods will be presented.

Results and conclusions

Findings on how theories of information can be used to develop a more satisfactory basis for information science theory and practice for realist reviews will be presented.

References

Bates, M. J. (1989). Design of browsing and berrypicking techniques for the online search interface. On-line review, 13(5): 407-424.

Booth, A., Harris, J., Croot, E., Springett, J., Campbell, F., & Wilkins, E. (2013). Towards a methodology for cluster searching to provide conceptual and contextual "richness" for systematic reviews of complex interventions: case study (CLUSTER). BMC Medical Research Methodology, 13:118.

Hjorland, B. (2007). Information: Objective or Subjective/Situational? Journal of the American Society for information Science and Technology, 58(10): 1448-1456.