Abstract: Mapping the Research Self: Context, Emotion, and Lifeworld in Counter-Establishment Research

◆ Yvonne M. Eadon, UK SIS

This paper seeks to establish research as a specific type of information seeking, shaped by the lifeworld of the researcher. It also introduces a novel approach to information seeking: the Research Self (RS). A flexible and holistic model, the RS explores and articulates the various relationships between identity, emotion, epistemology, and research practice. Rooted in sense-making methodology, lifeworlds, and principles of Critical Information Literacy, the Research Self is designed to be holistic, iterative, and flexible—applicable in myriad contexts. Emerging from a qualitative grounded theory study with twelve participants who research one of three topics that have been labeled “conspiracy theories”—collusion in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy; the Roswell Incident, UFOs, and extraterrestrials; and the Missing 411 Phenomenon—the RS can function both as a multifaceted information seeking model and as a methodology for fostering reflexivity specifically and critical information literacy more broadly. This paper also introduces the concept of counter-establishment research—any kind research activity, conducted systematically, that goes against establishment institutions, norms, or consensus. Having emerged from counter-establishment research, the Research Self may allow be particularly effective for fostering reflexivity among epistemically diverse populations.