scholarly journals Information Horizons Mapping is Related to Other Measures of Health Literacy but Not Information Literacy

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 171-173
Author(s):  
Eugenia Opuda
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Weak Relationship ◽  
Information Horizons

A Review of: Zimmerman, M.S. (2020). Mapping literacies: Comparing information horizons mapping to measures of information and health literacy. Journal of Documentation, 76(2), 531–551. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-05-2019-0090 Abstract Objective – To evaluate information horizons mapping as a valid measure for assessing information literacy and health literacy compared to three validated information and health literacy measurements and level of educational attainment. Design – Quantitative data analysis using multiple regression and the Anker, Reinhart, and Feeley model as the conceptual framework. Setting – A small university-centered community in Iowa City. Subjects – 149 members of the university community. Methods – The author conducted a power analysis to determine a minimum sample size required for maintaining study validity and selected the Anker Model of conceptual framing for health information-seeking behavior. This is a three-phased model that explores the information seeker’s predisposing characteristics, engagement in health information seeking, and outcomes associated with information seeking. Recruited participants completed three assessments—the Tool for Real-time Assessment of Information Literacy Skills (TRAILS), the Health Literacy Skills Instrument (HLSI), and the Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS)—and drew information horizon maps illustrating what sources of information they tend to seek for health-related questions. The author calculated information horizon map results using a scoring system incorporating the number and quality of information sources identified in the maps and applied multiple linear regression analysis and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to participants’ scores from all four assessments as well as their level of educational attainment to determine strengths of relationships between variables. Main Results – In the information horizons map results, participants identified an average of 6.9 information sources with a range of 3–13 and received an average score of 18.8 in information source quality with a range of 4–45. The author applied multiple linear regression to predict the number of information source counts on the information horizons map based on HLSI, TRAILS, and BHLS assessment scores and level of educational attainment and found a significant relationship (p=0.044). A significant relationship also existed between quality of source scores on the map based on HLSI, TRAILS, and BHLS assessment scores and level of educational attainment (p=0.033). Removing the educational attainment variable produced an even stronger significant result. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient supported the findings of the multiple regression analysis and revealed a strong relationship between source count and scores on the BHLS (r=0.87) and HLSI (r=71) but a weak relationship between source counts and TRAILS score and level of educational attainment. Source quality had a weak relationship with BHLS scores (r=0.24), a moderate relationship with the HLSI scores (r=0.50), and a weak relationship with TRAILS scores and educational attainment. Conclusions – The data analysis suggests a significant relationship between information horizons mapping and health literacy but not information literacy or level of educational attainment. This data supports findings from the author’s previous research examining the relationship between information horizon maps and information literacy scores for refugee and immigrant women. It also suggests that information horizons mapping may facilitate storytelling that reflects the complexity of participants’ health literacy ability and may introduce the potential to assess low-literacy level populations. More research is needed to examine the quality and complexity produced in information horizons maps. This methodology may be applied to investigate better techniques for assessing the health literacy levels among populations that struggle with prose-based assessments.

Mapping literacies

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 531-551
Author(s):  
Margaret S. Zimmerman
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Current Assessment ◽  
Information Horizons

Purpose Information literacy and health literacy skills are positively correlated with indicators of quality of life. Assessing these literacies, however, can be daunting – particularly with people that may not respond well to prose-based tools. The purpose of this paper is to use information horizons methodology as a metric that may be reflective of literacies. Design/methodology/approach Following a power analysis to insure statistical significance, a sample of 161 participants was recruited from a university population and given formal, vetted measures of information literacy and health literacy and then was asked to create an information horizons map within a health-related context. The information horizons maps were evaluated in two different ways. First, the number of sources was counted. Then, the quality of sources was factored in. Multiple regression analysis was applied to both metrics as independent variables with the other assessments as dependent variables. Anker, Reinhart, and Feeley’s model provided the conceptual framework for the study. Findings Information horizons mapping was not found to have a significant relationship with measures of information literacy. However, there were strong, statistically significant relationships with the measures of health literacy employed in this study. Originality/value Employing information horizons methodology as a means of providing a metric to assess literacies may be helpful in providing a more complete picture of a person’s abilities. While the current assessment tools have value, this method has the potential to provide important information about the health literacy of people who are not traditionally well represented by prose-based measures.

scholarly journals Fokus på informationskompetence i et tværfagligt læringsmiljø - et empirisk studie af læringseffekter og studenterperspektiver

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (16) ◽  
pp. 124-143
Author(s):  
Charlotte Overgaard ◽  
Mette Buje Grundsøe
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Academic Skill ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Educational Environments ◽  
Study Programme ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Group Interviews

Der har i en årrække indenfor de videregående uddannelser været fokus på, at studerendes udvikling af informationskompetence og læring igennem problemorienteret projektarbejde er tæt forbundet, og at et nært samarbejde mellem bibliotek og uddannelsesmiljø er en væsentlig forudsætning for studerendes læring. I praksis er der dog en række forhold, som kan hindre et effektivt samarbejde mellem bibliotek og uddannelse og bevirke, at de pædagogiske intentioner ikke indfries. I et tværfagligt samarbejde mellem universitetsbibliotek og fagmiljø blev der i 2012 i forbindelse med opstarten af en ny 2-årig kandidatuddannelse i Folkesundhedsvidenskab ved Aalborg Universitet udviklet et undervisningsforløb og en række læringsunderstøttende tiltag som obligatorisk anvendelse af søgebilag i projekter og tværfaglige søgeworkshops, baseret på teorier om problembaseret læring og tilrettelæggelse af søge-læreprocesser. På baggrund af empiriske data fra informationssøgningstest, studenterprojektrapporter og gruppeinterviews undersøges effekten af undervisningen på de studerendes udvikling af informationskompetence samt deres perspektiver på læringsunderstøttende tiltag. Der identificeres fremmende og hæmmende faktorer ift. udvikling af informationskompetence og afslutningsvis diskuteres styrker og svagheder samt hvilke forhold, som er centrale – og også relevante i en bredere universitetspædagogisk sammenhæng – hvis informationskompetence skal integreres som del af de studerendes grundlæggende faglighed.  Learning through problem-based project-work and the development of information literacy skills has become increasingly common in higher education programmes in recent years. It is also generally acknowledged that these learning experiences benefit from close collaboration between university libraries and their educational environments. There is evidence to suggest, however, that a number of conditions can hamper the effective collaboration between library and study programme and so leave the educational intentions unfulfilled. A new Master’s programme in Public Health that was introduced at Aalborg University in 2012 aims to address these shortcomings by turning theories of problem-based learning and searching-learning processes into teaching activities as a result of a close inter-disciplinary collaboration between university library and academic environment. This paper examines the effect of and student perspectives on the developed teaching activities. A combination of information seeking tests, student project reports and group interviews provided the empirical data for the study. These revealed a number of promotive and inhibitory factors in connection with the development of information literacy skills. The strengths and weaknesses are discussed in this paper, along with the educational and pedagogical key points that are important if information literacy is to become a part of the students’ basic academic skill set.

scholarly journals Literasi Informasi Penyuluh Pertanian di Kabupaten Cianjur

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-265
Author(s):  
Rasmira Rasmira ◽  
Ekawati Sri Wahyuni
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Ease Of Access

In the information overload, agricultural extension agents as agents of agricultural development need to have information literacy skills because most of their main tasks and functions are related to the activities of collecting, processing and disseminating agricultural information. This study aims to 1) identify information literacy among extension workers in Cianjur Regency2) analyze the factors that are related to information literacy among extension workers in Cianjur Regency. The study sample was 80 extension workers in Cianjur Regency. The method of analysis uses descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using Spearman Rank correlation to analyze relationships between variables. The results showed that the information literacy level of agricultural extension workers was classified as middle especially in storing and retrieving information, using information effectively and ethically, and communicating knowledge. Extension agents have a high ability in terms of recognizing the information needed, finding and evaluating it. Two factors that are significantly related to information literacy are characteristics of extension agents (age, formal education level, working life) and accessibility of communication media (ease of access and variety of media uses).

scholarly journals Measuring the health literacy of the Upper Midwest

2017 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin J. Bakker, MLIS ◽  
Jonathan B. Koffel, MSI ◽  
Nicole R. Theis-Mahon, MLIS
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Upper Midwest ◽  
The Individual

Objectives: Health literacy—the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information—is a major determinant of an individual’s overall health and health care utilization. In this project, the authors examined predictors of health literacy levels, including numeracy and graphic literacy, among an adult population in the Upper Midwest.Methods: The research was conducted at the Minnesota State Fair. Three previously validated scales were used to assess health literacy: Newest Vital Sign, the General Health Numeracy Test, and questions from Galesic and Garcia-Retamero’s Graph Literacy Scale. Demographic information—such as age, educational attainment, zip code, and other potential predictors and modifiers—was collected. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to examine the independent effects of educational attainment, race, ethnicity, gender, and rural or urban location on overall health literacy and scores on each of the individual instruments.Results: A total of 353 Upper Midwest residents completed the survey, with the majority being white, college-educated, and from an urban area. Having a graduate or professional degree or being under the age of 21 were associated with increased health literacy scores, while having a high school diploma or some high school education, being Asian American, or being American Indian/Alaska Native were associated with lower health literacy scores.Conclusion: Advanced health literacy skills, including the ability to calculate and compare information, were problematic even in well-educated populations. Understanding numerical and graphical information was found to be particularly difficult, and more research is needed to understand these deficits and how best to address them.

scholarly journals First Year University Students Arrive with Some Search Skills, But Struggle with Scholarly Sources

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Cari Merkley
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Scholarly Literature ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

A Review of: Salisbury, F., & Karasmanis, S. (2011). Are they ready? Exploring student information literacy skills in the transition from secondary to tertiary education. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 42(1), 43-58. Objective – To determine what existing information literacy skills first year students possess upon entering university. Design – Quantitative survey questionnaire. Setting – A research university in Australia. Subjects – 1,029 first year students in the health sciences. Methods – First year students enrolled in the health sciences were asked to complete a paper questionnaire in their first week of classes in 2009. The 20 question survey was distributed in student tutorial groups. The first 10 questions collected information on student demographics, expected library use, and existing information seeking behaviour. The remaining 10 questions tested students’ understanding of information literacy concepts. Data collected from the survey were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS. Main Results – Most of the students who responded to the questionnaire were between the ages of 16 and 21 (84.3%) with only 2.2% over the age of 40. Approximately 15% of respondents had completed some postsecondary university or vocational education prior to enrolling in their current program. The students ranked Google, a friend, and a book as the top three places they would go to find information on something they knew little about. Google was also the most popular choice for finding a scholarly article (35% of respondents), followed by the library catalogue (21%). A large proportion of students correctly answered questions relating to identifying appropriate search terms. For example, one third of the students selected the correct combination of search concepts for a provided topic, and 77% identified that the choice of search phrase could negatively impact search results. Students also demonstrated prior knowledge of the Boolean operator AND, with 38% correctly identifying its use in the related question. Most students were also able to identify key markers of a website’s credibility. Questions relating to ethical information use and scholarly literature proved more challenging. Almost half (45%) of the students said that they did not know the characteristics of a peer reviewed journal article. Twenty five percent of respondents indicated that citing an information source was only necessary in the case of direct quotes, with only 28% correctly identifying the need for citing both quotes and paraphrasing. Only 23% were able to select the example of a journal citation from the list presented. Conclusion – Students enter university with existing strengths in concept identification and basic search formulation, but require the most assistance with locating and identifying scholarly literature and how to cite it appropriately in their work. The findings will inform the development of an online information literacy assessment tool to assist incoming students in identifying areas where they may require additional support as they transition to university.

Appraising information literacy skills of students in Singapore

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-394
Author(s):  
Shaheen Majid ◽  
Schubert Foo ◽  
Yun Ke Chang
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Middle Level ◽  
School Librarians ◽  
Information Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Education Administrators

PurposeTo investigate information literacy (IL) skills of secondary students in Singapore after integration of these skills into school curriculum. The study also explored cyber wellness skills of the students.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 14 secondary schools, located in different geographical zones of the country. A total of 3,306 secondary students participated in this survey. A scoring scheme was devised to assess IL skills of the students.FindingsThe students achieved an overall mean score of 52.6%, which is considered as a “middle” level of IL competency. The students obtained high mean scores for two IL skills: “defining information task and analysing information gaps” (60.5%) and cyber wellness (60.1%). Lowest scores were achieved for two IL skills: “selecting information sources” (47.4%) and “appraising the information process and product” (48.0%).Research limitations/implicationsThis study has not investigated IL knowledge of teachers, responsible for teaching IL components. Similarly, content analysis of school textbooks, integrating IL skills, could be useful.Practical implicationsIt appeared that integration of IL skills into school curriculum showed limited success in imparting these skills. This paper suggests measures for improving the integration of IL skills into school curriculum. Findings of this survey will be useful to curriculum planners, education administrators, instructors teaching IL skills and school librarians.Originality/valueThis study was unique as, in addition to standard IL skills, it also investigated cyber wellness skills. It was desirable as now social media have become a popular source for information seeking and sharing.

Assessment of information literacy skills and information-seeking behavior of medical students in the age of technology: a study of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-94
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sohail Haider ◽  
Chen Ya
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Information Literacy Skills ◽  
Library Staff

Purpose Information literacy skills (ILSs) and information-seeking behavior (ISB) is a widespread topic that needs modern technologies to improve the technical skills of the students. The purpose of this study is to assess the usage of library resources for medical college students. To explore and understand the student’s level of satisfaction, learning and seeking behavior by efficient information retrieval systems. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a quantitative research method and data was collected from the undergraduate students of medical colleges Islamabad Pakistan. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 using Pearson correlation statistical test to identify the level of proficiency of correlation of variables and testing of the proposed hypothesis. Findings The finding of the study shows that the medical students can enhance their IT skills to seek the information in this technology era. The medical institutional administration can develop the education development policy, traditional health education policy, funds allocating policy, health information literacy and collaborate with library staff for enhancing the services and to meet the information need of medical students. Practical implications The conclusion of this study is very helpful to reduce the barriers between the students and the library staff. The findings of the study are also beneficial for the administration to improve and develop the strategies for enhancing the ILSs of medical students to achieve medical educational information in the age of technology. Therefore, all significant structures want to improve and to develop the environment of information seeking by medical students to achieve medical educational information. Social implications Medical college library administrative management must be design useful a durable policy to come up with the technology development for digital literacy. The study reduces the barriers between the students and the library staff. Originality/value The study is based on quantitative research method to find out ISB of medical students.

Self-Perception of Information Literacy Skills and Confidence Level in Use of Information by Women Faculty Members: An Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (S1) ◽  
pp. 104-107
Author(s):  
M. A. Deepamala ◽  
K. S. Shivraj
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Confidence Level ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Women Faculty ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Region Data ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

This article is an attempt to present and publish different aspects of doctoral Thesis awarded by Anna University in the year 2018. The concept of this article is self perception of women faculty member’s information literacy skills and their confidence level in using information for their teaching and research practices. Data and analysis have been compiled as per the aspect of taken topic. Sample size 364 based on primary data collected through well structured questionnaire from 41 Engineering colleges affiliated to Anna University in Coimbatore region. Data have been tabulated and applied suitable statistical tools. Women faculty members self perceived that they do have the confident in evaluating the quality, Interpretation, use of e-format and information retrieval skills. Their confidence level on skills to handle the information is positively significantly correlates with information literacy skills towards information seeking attitudes and the same on internet sources. It is concluded that the faculty member’s information seeking attitude and the same attitude on the internet sources influences to increase effectively confidence level of their skills to handle the information. It has been proved qualitatively and quantitatively. The author suggested to requiring more course integrated information literacy program, motivation and appreciation for research, presentation and publication among women faculty members.

scholarly journals Effects of health literacy skills, educational attainment, and level of melanoma risk on responses to personalized genomic testing

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-19
Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Kaphingst ◽  
Erva Khan ◽  
Kirsten Meyer White ◽  
Andrew Sussman ◽  
Dolores Guest ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Genomic Testing ◽  
Melanoma Risk
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