Four Passages to Information Use Related Phenomena in Bachelor Theses at the Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences

Abstract

Information seeking and use activities play an important role in completing the mandatory theses at Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (UASs). The institution encounters issues related to value judgements between theoretical and practical knowledge. In this paper it is discussed how Bachelor theses are built at Finnish UASs in terms of information use events and related structures and processes. A qualitative multiple case study is reported. Data driven conceptualizations are supported by applying categories related to foundational system assumptions. The findings discussed are grouped into four themes. Some students expect predefined norms for using literary sources. Some encounter feelings of being alone with their topic, in other words, “finding” research gaps that do not exist. Insufficient knowledge about genre conventions and other situational factors can lead students to create textual solutions of their own. Different support and guidance approaches are required for each group. Information processes in theses and related problems can be based on different systemic assumptions. We suggest that these findings should be worked up as part of the efforts that are necessary in the Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences to articulate their assumptions, concepts and values related to information and knowledge use.