Phenomenography: a Qualitative Methodology at Information Retrieval Area Studies

The purpose of this paper is to introduce and presents a qualitative phenomenographical research methodology as a conceptual framework to do information retrieval area studies and, while the aim of reflecting on the features of this method for students and researchers interested in qualitative research methods. This article is a conceptual paper that introduces a phenomenographical qualitative research methodology based on an interpretive paradigm with a review/ analytical approach. Reviewing papers written by researchers such as Bruce, Limberg, Edwards, Forester and others. This paper tries to show the paradigm shift in the methodology of research (from positivism to interpretative paradigm) in the information retrieval area. Since the 1980s, the paradigm shifts in information retrieval area studies among information retrieval researchers. Phenomenography, as an interpretative approach, is a method, which makes researchers able to consider the vraitey of the ways of experiencing a phenomenon in the world. In this method, participants are selected through purposive sampling, data are collected in semi-structured interviews and analyzed through theoretical coding, and the results will be presented in the form of descriptive categories as an outcome space. In fact, counting and understanding phenomena from the perspective of certain user groups can provide a deeper, clearer, and more complete understanding of many of the questions raised in the field of information behavior researchs in information retrieval area, especially in user studies. This research method, while describing users' perceptions of their experience in information retrieval and search, offers a new territory to the end user studies. In addition, it get adquainted the practitioners of this area with a new approach to the topic and, providing a more precise context for their services and practices.