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Dissertation
A study of information flow in physical science research in Nigerian universities
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jun 1987
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000712
Abstract
This study is intended to provide an understanding of the communication patterns of the physical scientists in Nigerian universities. The survey, was based mainly on a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 75% of the scientists in the departments of chemistry, geology, and physics in four Nigerian universities. About half of the scientists were also interviewed on broad science issues in Nigeria. The main issues examined and described in this study include the current state of research in Nigerian universities; the use of formal information sources and library facilities; the sequence of communication activities connected with the production of a journal article; and the use and evaluation of a number of informal communication channels, including scientific societies, scientific meetings, exchange of pre-publication material and reprints, and communication links. Scientific communication among the Nigerian scientists has some peculiar characteristics that have been imposed by the state of research in Nigerian universities. Among the constraints being experienced by the scientists, lack of equipment and lack of information are the most crucial in terms of the number of scientists affected. These constraints have generated a number of adaptations that are both innovative and opportunistic. Strategies to deal with the problem of lack of equipment include changing research orientation to areas where lack of equipment will not be a problem, going overseas to use laboratory facilities, working in collaboration with overseas scientists, and improvisation of equipment and reagents. In order to deal with the problem of lack of formal information sources some of the scientists are enlisting the assistance of scientists overseas to do literature searches for them and supply them with photocopies, making use of opportunities of travelling overseas to study the literature, depending on personal subscriptions to journals, and obtaining information through membership of scientific societies. These strategies are, however, only a partial solution to the constraints in research. Some of the strategies are time-consuming and their success is not always certain. Therefore, the course of a research project and the duration of the publication cycle is unpredictable. Consequently, the productivity of a scientist has very little or no relationship with other communication variables.
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Details
- Title
- A study of information flow in physical science research in Nigerian universities
- Creators
- Fabian Aiterebhe Ehikhamenor
- Contributors
- Belver C. Griffith (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xii, 163 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Information Studies (1984-1995); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014970324904721