What I learned about ISP and more interesting theories!

This morning I read about Kuhlthau's Information Search Process (ISP). She has a great website! Carol Kuhlthau professor emerita at the Dept. of Information Science at Rutgers University, and her model of ISP is highly recognized in LIS.

I want to capture just a few thoughts. First of all, Carol's model is a result of 2 decades of empirical research and longitudinal studies. Theory building doesn't happen over night!  Secondly, her model relates to several theories. These theories interest me:

• Kelly's personal construct theory (1963)
• Constructivist theory 
• Assimilation theory (Ausubel 1963)
• Concept mapping (Gordon 2000)

Other related theories include:

• Vygotsky's zone of proximal development
• Belkin's ASK
• Taylor's level of information needs
• Gardner, 1985

Now, not all of these theories contribute to the development of her model; some merely relate.  I discovered these related theories as I read literature that cited and/or expanded upon her studies.

I am assigned to give a presentation on the ISP model this week in my 610 class. The purpose of the presentation is to:

• give a short statement about the theory/theory and how it fits in a broader paradigm 
• discuss the limitations or shortcomings 
• discuss what I liked about it or how it's informed my own thinking
• share a brief idea on how to apply it to research

I think this will be a useful assignment. I may apply it to an educational context (university level, science or environmental literacy).

That's all for now...now to design the presentation!