Validating coding for a theoretical model of information behaviour

Introduction. Many models of information behaviour are based on research done mostly, or solely by one individual and the coding may not be easy for other researchers to use. The aim of the research was to develop and test a theoretical model of information behaviour, developed by one individual. The first objective was a review of the coding. Method. A review of the literature on inter-rater reliability calculations indicated some possible methods to be used. We used one of these methods in a parallel coding experiment, and developed a simplified codebook after several rounds of parallel coding and team discussions. Analysis. The analysis was iterative. Further review of the social sciences literature helped to resolve our differences of interpretation. Results. Our team discussions were very useful. The inter-rater reliability calculations indicated only the large extent of initial disagreement. We simplified the codebook terms, and reduced the number of terms. The revised model suggests changes to the description of context, and the scale and intensity of information seeking activities. Conclusions. Obtaining transferable definitions of information seeking activities is difficult but a team can debate meaning successfully.