Chapter 2

Information in Learning and

Research
1. Introduction to What is Research.
2. Structure of Information for Research.
3. Information Resources.
4. Identify Information needs and
Information Resources.
 Understand the need of information for
research.

 Understand the structure of information

and differentiate between primary,
secondary and tertiary sources.

 Recognise the different formats of

information resources.

 Identify the information needs and the

matching resources.
 Information literacy forms the basis for
learning.

 It is common to all disciplines, to all

learning environments, and to all levels of
education.

 Information forms the basis of learning and

research activities.
 Why Students Need Information in
Learning and Research
Students need information:
• To understand their coursework.
• In gaining in-depth knowledge of problems and
issues that have been investigated.
• For discussion in seminars and tutorials.
• For oral and written examinations.
• In designing questionnaires and conducting surveys.
• For the completion of assignments, dissertations &
theses and in doing case studies.
• For personal interest and to upgrade or update
knowledge.
• To continue with independent and lifelong learning.
▪ “Research” is used colloquially to denote several
things:
▪ writing a thesis,
▪ searching for library materials,
▪ reading
▪ surveys, etc.
sometimes confusing the process with the output.
 Research means all of the above and categorised
in 3 components:
 Research Process
 Research Methods
 Research Outputs
 WHAT CONSTITUTES RESEARCH ?

Research process Research methods Research output

(Gathering data) (Research reports)
• Define research problem Examples: Examples:
• Literature search/review • Case study • Case study
• Research proposal • Focus group study • Dissertation
• Plan research design • Survey • Thesis
• Construct research • Observation
instrument • Interview
• Collect data • Lab experiments
• Analyse and process data
• Consolidate
• Present & communicate

Research can be done in libraries,

laboratories, factories schoolrooms, hospitals etc.
Before we search and collect the information,
we need to:

 Understand the structure of information;

 Know how information is produced,

organized, and disseminated;

 Know which source of information is

needed to answer the question.
 Information can be categorised as primary ,
secondary and tertiary information.

 Primary information are those that are closest

to the actual event, time, or individual.
 Secondary information are the interpretation
of primary information; primary information
that has been restated or reused.
 Tertiary information helps to assess and trace
the secondary information you need.
 Structure of Information
Primary Information
Information in its original form;
Creation of Knowledge
experiments, research data, personal
PRIMARY contacts, notes, letters, diaries, journal or
conference papers.

Secondary Information
Repackaging (Repackaging: to communicate and
SECONDARY present information)
Evaluation, analyses, or interpretations of
original sources, books, papers, handbooks
& manuals, journal papers.
Surrogate Tertiary Information
(Surrogate: to help trace the information)
TERTIARY Bibliographies, guides to literature
directories; indexes helps in assessing what
to search for your information need.
 Structure of Information

TERTIARY SOURCES- Encyclopedia, Directories, Bibliographies

SECONDARY SOURCES- Journals, Books, Manuals

PRIMARY SOURCES LETTERS- Research data, research

reports, conference papers
 Represented, to be traceable
Tertiary

Primary Information that is

Secondary interpreted, reflected,
restated or reused

Closer to the event,

period or the person
Primary who created
Knowing how information is categorized helps
you to understand how to use the information. It
helps you choose the best sources for your
particular purpose.

Identify the purpose and

audience of potential resources.

If you need a quote for giving a speech or

presentation what would you refer to?

 If you need statistics for your assignment.

Select the Right Information Resource
Information resources come in different formats.
You need to identify the most likely resource to
provide you with the information you need.

Information resources include:

• Newspapers: for the latest news and opinion.

• Journals: for up-to-date reviews.
• Databases: for research materials.
• Guidelines: for standards and recommendation.
• Govt. Reports: for policies and proposals.
• Professional Networks: Peer support and guidance.
• Books: for established information.
• Web Portals: for internet sites.
 Information Needs & Resources
Types of information needs
Brief Factual Information Definitions,
Quick references
General Overview of Topic Background
Knowledge Broad Information
Current information
Overview of the State of the Art Including
Literature Review
In-depth Detailed Information
Statistical Information
Geographical Information
Technical Information
Specialised Information
Organisational Information
(KM=Knowledge Management)
Resources located in the library
Information Resources
Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Almanacs, Yearbooks,
Directories
Encyclopedia Articles, Subject Bibliographies, Books,
Journal Articles, Websites
Newspapers, Journals, Conference Reports, Websites
Review articles, Subject Bibliographies, Dissertation
Abstracts
Books, Journals, Theses, Reports
Statistical Reports, Handbooks, Yearbooks, Survey
data.
Atlases, maps and gazetteers, aerial photos.
Standards, Patents
Company reports, Government Publications, Law and
legal references, Subject Guides. Specialized
databases e.g. ERIC, Islamic Finance etc.
Minutes meetings, Notice boards, email.
Tacit and Explicit Knowledge
Databases and OPAC
 Research Approach 1
Traditional approach to library research:

4.
1. Reference 2. 3. Journal 5. Web
Primary
Tools Books Articles resources
Data

1. Reference Tools-Encyclopedia –(LCSH)

Background
2. Books
3. Journal Articles
4. Collect Primary Data
5. Web-Based Research
 Research Approach 2
Recent approach to library research:

2. 4.
1. Web 3. 5. Primary
Journal Reference
resources Books Data
Articles Tools

1. Search Engines: Web Materials

2. Articles
3. Books
4. Reference Materials
5. Primary Research
Source: Sadowski, A., Koella, J. C., & Keene, M. L. (2001). The Mayfield quick view guide to the
Internet for students of psychology and the research process: Version 2.0. Mountain View, Calif:
Mayfield Pub.
 Exercise

1.What specific primary information

sources might be available for your
field of study?

2.Give a list of 5 items from the

secondary information sources for
your field of study.