Abstract :
The purpose of this research is to capture, understand,
and model the process used by bioinformatics analysts
when facing a specific scientific problem. Integrating information
behavior with task analysis, we interviewed 20
bioinformatics experts about the process they follow to
conduct a typical bioinformatics analysis—a functional
analysis of a gene, and then used a task analysis approach
to model that process. We found that each expert
followed a unique process in using bioinformatics resources,
but had significant similarities with their peers.
We synthesized these unique processes into a standard
research protocol, from which we developed a procedural
model that describes the process of conducting a
functional analysis of a gene. The model protocol consists
of a series of 16 individual steps, each of which
specifies detail for the type of analysis, how and why it is
conducted, the tools used, the data input and output,
and the interpretation of the results. The linking of information
behavior and task analysis research is a novel
approach, as it provides a rich high-level view of information
behavior while providing a detailed analysis at
the task level. In this article we concentrate on the latter.
