User Studies and Information Behaviour
2024/2025
Content, progress and pedagogy of the module
The module will teach students how to study users and their interaction(s) with information and ICT systems in context. Students will be introduced to different stages of user involvement, as well as data-driven research methods for data collection, processing, analysis, and visualisation in relation to the areas of user research and information behaviour. This includes acquisition and application of knowledge on digital practice, organisational culture, digital culture and cognitive, emotional aspects on the level of individuals, groups and organisations.
Academic supervision will be offered in connection with the problem-oriented project work.
Learning objectives
Knowledge
The student must through the module gain knowledge and understanding of:
user studies in context as well as understanding of user studies and information practices based on the highest international research
qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis
Scientific issues related to user studies and information practices
Skills
The student must through the module acquire skills in:
being able to evaluate and choose between types of studies and empirical methods from information science in a professionally qualified way in order to design and conduct user studies
being able to generate design specifications or scientific knowledge based on user studies
mastering qualitative and quantitative data analysis and methodology for problem solving
Competences
The student must through the module acquire competences in:
being able to independently initiate and conduct user studies and assume professional responsibility towards users and partners
being able to plan and manage collaborative and research projects that are complex and unpredictable
Type of instruction
Reference to §17.
Exam
Exams
| Name of exam | User Studies and Information Behaviour |
| Type of exam | Oral exam based on a project
The examination is a conversation between the student(s) and the
examiner and internal examiner based on a project report produced
individually or in a group. The project report/written work will be
considered the shared responsibility of the group. Students will be
examined and assessed on the basis of the entire project report,
and one combined grade will be awarded each student for the project
report and the oral performance.
Literature foundation: The project report must be based on relevant qualified academic publications. The project report: the total number of pages must be no less than 10 pages and no more than 15 pages per student in a project group, and 20 pages if written individually. Duration of examination: 20 minutes per student and 10 minutes per group for assessment and announcement of result, although no longer than a total of two hours. 30 minutes in total for individual At oral group examinations, the examination must be conducted in such a way that individual assessment of each individual student’s performance is ensured. Any re-examinations will be held on the basis of a revised project report. The project report and the conversation must demonstrate that the student furfils the objectives for the module stated above. |
| ECTS | 10 |
| Permitted aids | All written and all electronic aids |
| Assessment | 7-point grading scale |
| Type of grading | Internal examination |
| Criteria of assessment | The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures |
Facts about the module
| Danish title | Brugerstudier og informationspraksis |
| Module code | KAIS202429 |
| Module type | Project |
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Semester | Autumn
KA 1. semester |
| ECTS | 10 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Location of the lecture | Campus Copenhagen |
| Responsible for the module |
Organisation
| Education owner | Master of Science (MSc) in Information Science (Information Studies) |
| Study Board | Study Board of Communication and Digital Media |
| Department | Department of Communication and Psychology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities |
