Information needs and Information seeking behaviour of Namibian pastors

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Orientation of the study
• 1.3 Statement of the problem
• 1.4 Objectives of the study
• 1.5 Significance of the study
• 1.6 Limitation of the study
• 1.7 Literature review
• 1.8 Theoretical framework
• 1.9 Definition of terms and concepts
• 1.10 Research design and methodology
• 1.10.1 Research design
• 1.10.2 Population
• 1.10.3 Sample
• 1.10.4 Data collection methods
• 1.10.5 Validity and reliability
• 1.10.6 Procedure
• 1.10.7 Data analysis
• 1.11 Research ethics
• 1.12 Structure of the thesis
• 1.13 Summary
• CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
• 2.1 Introduction
• 2.2 Information needs and seeking behaviour of pastors
• 2.2.1 Information
• 2.2.2 Information need
• 2.2.3 Information seeking
• 2.2.4 Information behaviour
• 2.3 Information sources used and how they are used
• 2.4 Factors affecting pastors' information seeking behaviour
• 2.5 Perceptions of pastors on their preparedness to meet their job demands
• 2.6 Pastoral information service
• 2.7 Information behaviour models
• 2.7.1 Ellis' (1989) behavioural model of information seeking strategies
• 2.7.2 Kuhlthau's (1991) model of the stages of information-seeking
• 2.7.3 Wilson's (1996) model of information seeking behaviour
• 2.7.4 Dervin's (2000) sense-making theory
• 2.8 Reasons for using Wilson's model and Dervin's theory
• 2.9 Summary
• CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 Research design
• 3.3 Survey research
• 3.3.1 Strengths of survey research
• 3.3.2 Weaknesses of survey research
• 3.4 Interviews
• 3.5 Research population
• 3.5.1 Sampling procedures
• 3.5.2 Stratified sampling
• 3.5.3 Purposive sampling
• 3.6 Reliability and validity
• 3.7 Data collection instruments
• 3.7.1 Questionnaire as a data collection tool
• 3.7.2 Interview guide as a way of collecting data
• 3.8 The pilot study
• 3.9 Data collection process
• 3.9.1 Administering the questionnaires
• 3.9.2 Existing church documents and interviews with key informants
• 3.10 Data analysis
• 3.10.1 Analysis of quantitative data
• 3.10.2 Analysis of qualitative data
• 3.11 Ethical considerations
• 3.12 Evaluation of the research methodology
• 3.13 Summary

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This study examines the information needs and seeking behavior of pastors in Namibia. It aims to understand the specific types of information pastors require for their work, their preferred methods of information seeking, and the challenges they face in accessing relevant information. The study employs a mixed-method approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. Key themes explored in the research include:

• The information needs of pastors in various aspects of their work, including counseling, community development, and evangelism
• The diverse sources of information pastors utilize, ranging from formal sources like Bible commentaries to informal sources like fellow pastors and the Holy Spirit
• The factors affecting pastors' information seeking behavior, such as language barriers, lack of access to technology, and limited financial resources
• The existing information services for pastors and the need for improved coordination and accessibility
• The potential for strengthening pastoral information services through collaborative efforts among various organizations

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the study, outlining the research problem, objectives, significance, and limitations. The chapter also details the methodology employed, including the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review on information needs and information seeking behavior, focusing specifically on pastors. It examines various information sources, factors influencing pastors' information seeking habits, and existing information behavior models. Chapter 3 delves into the research methodology in detail, explaining the survey research methods, interview techniques, sampling procedures, data collection instruments, and ethical considerations.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The study focuses on information needs, information seeking behavior, pastors, Namibia, pastoral information services, church, religion, information sources, information access, technology, language barriers, community development, and counseling.