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Grasping the structure of journal articles: Utilizing the functions of information units

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  • Lei Zhang

Abstract

Few studies have been done concerning document components and their effects on information use. This research empirically tested a taxonomy of functional units in a prototype journal system. This taxonomy was developed by identifying functions of the smallest information units within four journal article components (i.e., introduction, methods, results, discussion), and their associations with information tasks of using journal articles. Experimental results show that functional units can be utilized in supporting navigation, close reading, comprehension, and information use of journal articles to various extents. The results provide evidence that an individual functional unit has varying relevance to information use tasks, and has varying relevance to other functional units in the same or another component for a particular task. This research suggests that the information within a journal article can be organized and presented by functions to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in reading process and reading outcome.

Suggested Citation

  • Lei Zhang, 2012. "Grasping the structure of journal articles: Utilizing the functions of information units," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 63(3), pages 469-480, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jamist:v:63:y:2012:i:3:p:469-480
    DOI: 10.1002/asi.21680
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    Cited by:

    1. Wei Lu & Yong Huang & Yi Bu & Qikai Cheng, 2018. "Functional structure identification of scientific documents in computer science," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 115(1), pages 463-486, April.
    2. Shengzhi Huang & Jiajia Qian & Yong Huang & Wei Lu & Yi Bu & Jinqing Yang & Qikai Cheng, 2022. "Disclosing the relationship between citation structure and future impact of a publication," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 73(7), pages 1025-1042, July.
    3. Jinqing Yang & Zhifeng Liu & Xiufeng Cheng & Guanghui Ye, 2024. "Understanding the keyword adoption behavior patterns of researchers from a functional structure perspective," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 129(6), pages 3359-3384, June.
    4. Francisco Collazo-Reyes & María Elena Luna-Morales & Jane M. Russell & Miguel Ángel Pérez-Angón, 2017. "Emergence of modern scientific discourse in the American continent: knowledge claims in the discovery of Erythronium/Vanadium in Mexico (1802–1832)," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 110(3), pages 1505-1521, March.

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