InfoMe: A Field-Design Methodology for Research on Ethnic Minority Youth as Information Mediaries

Abstract

Purpose

InfoMe is an innovative research program that explores and facilitates how ethnic minority youth help members of their social networks, especially elders, with everyday life situations through information and technology.

Methodology/approach

The project employs mixed methods, iteratively using Teen Design Days and a stratified random, classroom-based survey (n = 500) in six schools, with multiple community partners in King County, WA.

Findings

InfoMe inductively demonstrates how ethnic minority youth help others with situations of daily living through information and technology.

Practical and social implications

The findings are being used to develop InfoMe applications with the youth and InfoMe Train-the-Trainer workshops for professionals who work with youth.

Originality/value

The research is developing a model of how ethnic minority youth engage as information mediaries in different community settings, how individuals and communities benefit; and it is contributing to our general understanding of specific concepts related to the human information experience.

Citation

Fisher, K.E., Bishop, A.P., Fawcett, P. and Magassa, L. (2014), "InfoMe: A Field-Design Methodology for Research on Ethnic Minority Youth as Information Mediaries", New Directions in Children’s and Adolescents’ Information Behavior Research (Library and Information Science, Vol. 10), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 135-156. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1876-056220140000010053