QUALITATIVE METHODS IN INFORMATION-RETRIEVAL RESEARCH

This review of the literature shows that the number of research projec ts in information retrieval (IR) that employ qualitative methods is on the rise. Although no agreed-upon definition exists for the concept q ualitative research, a number of typical characteristics describe its nature. Qualitative research is noncontrolling, holistic and case orie nted, about processes, open and flexible, diverse in methods, humanist ic, inductive, and scientific. Although these characteristics make qua litative methods the best for exploring human behavior in depth, and t hus of great relevance to IR research, only a few studies present all of them. Doctoral students, librarians, and others who are interested in qualitative methods have many sources for gaining support and guida nce: methodological writings, textbooks and handbooks, and several dep artments at academic institutions.