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Coming across information serendipitously - Part 1: A process model

Makri, S; Blandford, A; (2012) Coming across information serendipitously - Part 1: A process model. Journal of Documentation , 68 (5) 684 - 705. 10.1108/00220411211256030. Green open access

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Abstract

Purpose: This research sought to gain a detailed understanding of how researchers come across information serendipitously, grounded in real-world examples. This research was undertaken to enrich our theoretical understanding of this slippery phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured Critical Incident interviews were conducted with 28 interdisciplinary researchers. Interviewees were asked to discuss memorable examples of coming across information serendipitously from their research or everyday life. Our data collection and analysis process followed many of the core principles of Grounded Theory methodology. Findings: The examples provided were varied, but shared common elements (they involved a mix of unexpectedness and insight and led to a valuable, unanticipated outcome). These elements form part of an empirically-grounded process model of serendipity. In this model, a new connection is made that involves a mix of unexpectedness and insight and has the potential to lead to a valuable outcome. Projections are made on the potential value of the outcome and actions are taken to exploit the connection, leading to an (unanticipated) valuable outcome. Originality/value: Our model provides researchers across disciplines with a structured means of understanding and describing serendipitous experiences.

Type: Article
Title: Coming across information serendipitously - Part 1: A process model
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1108/00220411211256030
Publisher version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00220411211256030
Language: English
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Computer Science
URI: https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1309396
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