Previous MSc Theses

"Study into Individuals' Information Sharing Behaviour of 'Happy Information'." F. Tinto. I. Ruthven. Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde. 2013. Download PDF (BibTeX) MSc Information and Library Studies

Abstract:
Within Library and Information Science (LIS), research into information sharing behaviour has largely focussed on workplace and academic environments, with studies concerning leisure receiving less attention. Equally, research has concentrated largely on the cognitive and task-related elements of information behaviour, with less focus on the affective component.

This study aims to explore the range of factors motivating and impacting upon individuals' happy information sharing behaviour within a casual leisure context, focussing on behaviours that appear as particularly interesting or significant. Additionally, the research aims to investigate the affective states involved in happy information sharing.

30 participants were interviewed during the course of this research. The findings reveal that the factors influencing individuals' happy information sharing behaviour are numerous, and impact upon each other. Most individuals considered sharing happy information important to their friendships and relationships. In various contexts the act of sharing happy information was shown to enhance the sharer's happiness.