My dissertation focused on assessing the information needs and behaviors of the fat acceptance community. The data collected therein serves to better understand the role information plays in the lives and activities of those from a marginalized group, which could later be used to develop an information system that will address those needs.
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I mixed quantitative and qualitative methods to best provide a full picture painted with rich data and thorough context. To accomplish this, I distributed a survey that contained both open and closed ended questions, the latter of which included multiple choice as well as Likert scales. I then asked for participants to volunteer for interviews, which were conducted in a semi-structured format. These interviews gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into the subject matter and contextualize the information already gathered by the questionnaire.
This study can serve not only to educate people about how marginalized groups find and use information, but also as a preliminary step toward building an information system to service the fat acceptance community. Through additional preliminary research, I would create user personas and determine the best approach for creating a useful and viable system. I would then build prototypes, and test and fine-tune the product through usability testing. |
ABSTRACT
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Fat people face discrimination every day due to body size, including from family, friends, and medical personnel, and it can be difficult to find adequate, unbiased, and accurate information on a variety of topics. Utilizing a survey, which contained open- and closed-ended questions, as well as semi-structured interviews, this dissertation studied the information needs and behaviors of the fat acceptance (FA) community. Through these methods the researcher uncovered thematic patterns of participants, their needs and behaviors, and their perspectives on the availability of FA-related information. This included areas where adequate information is available, areas where there is some information that is either not enough, or not in-depth enough, and areas where there is a great need for improvement. This study could serve as a gateway to more specific or deeper exploration of the various themes uncovered, or as preliminary user research for constructing a system that would service the information needs of the FA community.
SUMMARY
Population: The fat acceptance community
Objective: This dissertation serves as preliminary research into the information needs and behaviors of a marginalized community. Following assessment of these issues, recommendations can be made to address them through the development of an information system.
Objective: This dissertation serves as preliminary research into the information needs and behaviors of a marginalized community. Following assessment of these issues, recommendations can be made to address them through the development of an information system.
Research Questions:
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Methods: Survey and interviews
Survey:
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Findings: I uncovered several themes throughout the responses.
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Recommendations:
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