Birdi, B. (2014) Genre fiction readers: a quantitative exploration of provided construct ratings. Journal of Documentation, 70 (6). 1054 - 1075. ISSN 0022-0418
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to adapt a repertory grid technique to investigate fiction readers’ attitudes and beliefs, with a specific focus on minority ethnic fiction.
Design/methodology/approach – The study required participants (n=36) to rate on a seven-point Likert scale a series of 16 provided constructs, using ten main elements, namely, the reader of ten fiction genres. Statistical tests investigated participant agreement across construct ratings, where on average fiction readers are rated on a construct continuum, and the extent to which public library work experience affected participants’ perceptions.
Findings – Findings were revealed regarding the perceived characteristics of the readers of ten fiction genres, including minority ethnic fiction. The readers of Asian and Black British fiction were similarly rated, but certain exceptions were also noted which had not been reported in previous research. Although intraclass correlations indicated that ratings were consistent for the more established fiction genres, there was little agreement regarding minority fiction.
Research limitations/implications – The research was potentially limited by the ethnic homogeneity of the sample population and the gender imbalance of same, and (in some cases) a lack of knowledge of minority fiction genres. It was felt that the repertory grid was an effective technique via which to build a rich profile of the fiction reader.
Practical implications – This research could inform the development of fiction collections, and its detailed examination of fiction reader profiles could be adapted in three specific ways, as described in the paper.
Originality/value – Little previous research has been conducted to differentiate between readers of different fiction genres, and less still for those of minority ethnic fiction genres.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2014 Emerald. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Journal of Documentation. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | : Repertory grid, Personal construct theory, Construct rating, Genre fiction reader, Minority ethnic genre fiction, Provided constructs, Black British fiction, Asian fiction |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Information School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 17 Nov 2014 15:28 |
Last Modified: | 17 Nov 2014 15:28 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JD-02-2014-0039 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Emerald |
Refereed: | No |
Identification Number: | 10.1108/JD-02-2014-0039 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:81665 |
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