Dissertation Information for Catharine Reese BomholdNAME:
DEGREE:
DISCIPLINE:
SCHOOL: ADVISORS: COMMITTEE MEMBERS: MPACT Status: Fully Complete Title: The information behaviors of early childhood caregivers: Constructing child development knowledge Abstract: This research explored the information behavior of early childhood caregivers (ECCs), those who primarily care for children from birth to age five in an organized childcare setting. Combining knowledge acquisition and selection theories of George Schutz, George Kelly, and Peter Wilson, the author developed an ecological model to demonstrate how these users construct knowledge about child development and assess resources. Using qualitative interviews and questionnaires, this research sought to determine the type of information behavior that this population exhibits, to describe the information environment of early childhood caregivers and their sources of child development information, and to define the attributes of the sources that they find authoritative. The data gathered was then applied to the ecological model. It was concluded that ECCs do not actively seek child development information outside their work environment. Instead, reliance is on co-workers and administrators, pre-determined to have the experience and education that deems them knowledgeable, for information. Implications for the discipline and the profession are discussed. |
MPACT Scores for Catharine Reese BomholdA = 0 Advisors and Advisees Graph |