Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Metatheoretical Snowmen Ii, Jenna K. Hartel, Jonathan Furner, Soo Young Rieh, Nicolas Belkin, Michael Ollsen, Marcia Bates, Andrew Dillon

Jenna Hartel

Metatheory is the highest level conceptual device used in research and determines a way of thinking and speaking about reality and its information behavior. Today, numerous metatheories exist in information studies and create a dynamic climate, yet also some confusion. This panel aims to demystify methatheory by addressing the matter in a playful, comparative, competitive spirit. Articulate champions of five major metatheories will be given an opportunity to cast their metatheory onto the life and information experience of an ordinary and affable persona: a snowman. The vivid renderings of the snowman and its information world will bring the features of …