Collaborative sensemaking

Duffy, Thomas Joseph (2016). Collaborative sensemaking. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The research presented in this thesis seeks to separate the notion of collaborative sensemaking into two different modes; a semantic mode, which describes the cognitive and meta-cognitive processes of sensemaking and a pragmatic mode which recognises the constraints under which collective sensemaking takes place. Using quantitative data obtained from three novel experiments designed by the Author and one external study, the thesis seeks to find ways to measure collaborative sensemaking. Two organisational structures are compared and contrasted for abilities to support sensemaking processes and experimental results support previous research that decentralised edge networks perform better then hierarchical networks at sensemaking tasks. The concept of a Communications Broker is presented as a potential technology for aiding pragmatic collaborative sensemaking and two prototypes are built. Experimental data suggests that the Communications Broker does alter the behaviour of the participant networks performing sensemaking tasks and accordingly is proposed as an area of interest for future research.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):