Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Information Access: on the World Wide Web: A Grounded Theory Study - Softcover

Blodgett-Griffin Ph.D., Cynthia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3845478152 ISBN 13: 9783845478159

Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2011

Synopsis

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to examine the process by which people with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) access information on the web. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control estimated 3.8 million new MTBIs annually in the U.S. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 for accessible web development offer few that support the needs of users with cognitive disability, including MTBI and stroke. As WCAG progresses to 2.0 and beyond, this may change. In this study, nine MTBI survivors were interviewed and observed as they visited websites. Both the Glaser and Strauss and Strauss and Corbin models guided data analysis. The role of the user’s emotions, such as frustration or pleasure, to create a pleasing or dissatisfying experience, was a common theme from both models. The final visual matrix illustrates three stages during which the user accesses and processes information. User emotions and other elements inform success, or lack thereof, of the user choosing to remain on a page, move forward to a new page, or exit the site altogether. Implications are great for online education, industry, social networking, and other entities of interest to MTBI survivor.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Cynthia Blodgett is an experienced distance educator, course designer, adult education and critical thinking consultant, and community leader. After a debilitating brain injury, she learned cognitive strategies to return to college teaching and research. Her unique experience guides her effort to teach others to succeed at school and work.

Edition details

• Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3845478152
• ISBN 13: 9783845478159
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 196