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Research and the uncertainty principle
Research and the uncertainty principle
Have you experienced that moment where an academic task or question seemed so big that it made you slightly anxious? I have, and I’m sure you have too. Research essays, the IB Extended Essay and the IB Internal Assessment are all big academic inquiry processes where you are required to research and grapple with a large amount of information that has to be distilled and synthesised into a coherent and sophisticated argument. This is an not easy task and you will probably feel anxious and frustrated at some stage. Professor Carol Kuhlthau has researched the research process. Her notion of the "uncertainty principle" is very interesting and recognisable. She describes it as follows:
“Uncertainty is a cognitive state that commonly causes symptoms of anxiety and lack of confidence. Uncertainty and anxiety can be expected in the early stages of the information searching process. Uncertainty, confusion, and frustration are associated with vague, unclear thoughts about a topic or problem.
As knowledge states shift to more clearly focused thoughts, a parallel shift occurs in feelings of increased confidence. Uncertainty due to a lack of understanding, a gap in meaning, or a limited construct initiates the process of information seeking”
(Kuhlthau, C. C. (1993). Seeking meaning: A process approach to library and information services. Norwood, NJ: Ablex., p. 111)
Below is a visual representation of the uncertainty experienced during a research / inquiry process. Source: Zhe’s Reaction Blog https://blogs.psu.edu/mt4/mt-tb.cgi/87882, recreated by Ilja van Weringh.
Kuhlthau describes 6 stages of the research process. Here is another visual representation and you can read a description of the stages below. So, at what stage are you?
Stage 1: Initiation
You recognize the need for new information to complete the assignment. You may discuss the topic with others or your teacher and brainstorm the topic further. This stage of the information seeking process is filled with feelings of apprehension and uncertainty.
Stage 2: Selection
You decide what topic will be investigated and how to proceed. Some information retrieval may occur at this point. The uncertainty associated with the first stage often fades with the selection of a topic, and is replaced with a sense of optimism.
Stage 3: Exploration
Information on the topic is gathered and a new knowledge is created. You try to find new information and try to fit it in with previous understanding of the topic. In this stage, feelings of anxiety may return if you find inconsistent or incompatible information.
Stage 4: Formulation
You evaluate the information that has been gathered. At this point, a focused perspective begins to form and there is not as much confusion and uncertainty as in earlier stages. Formulation is considered to be the most important stage of the process. You will formulate a personalized understanding of the topic from the general information gathered in the exploration phase.
Stage 5: Collection
You know what is needed to support the focus. Now presented with a clearly focused, personalized topic, you experience greater interest, increased confidence, and more successful searching.
Stage 6: Search closure
Now, you have completed the information search. You summarize/report/present the information. You will experience a sense of relief and, depending on the fruits of your search, either satisfaction or disappointment.
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