“Isms” in information science: constructivism, collectivism and constructionism

Abstract

Purpose

Describes the basic premises of three metatheories that represent important or emerging perspectives on information seeking, retrieval and knowledge formation in information science: constructivism, collectivism, and constructionism.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a literature‐based conceptual analysis. Pinpoints the differences between the positions in their conceptions of language and the nature and origin of knowledge.

Findings

Each of the three metatheories addresses and solves specific types of research questions and design problems. The metatheories thus complement one another. Each of the three metatheories encourages and constitutes a distinctive type of research and learning.

Originality/value

Outlines each metatheory's specific fields of application.

Citation

Talja, S., Tuominen, K. and Savolainen, R. (2005), "“Isms” in information science: constructivism, collectivism and constructionism", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 61 No. 1, pp. 79-101. https://doi.org/10.1108/00220410510578023