Extreme Sport and Information

Initial Findings of Technical Cave Diver’s Information-Seeking Behaviours

Authors

  • Toni Beaton Halifax Public Library
  • Stacy Allison-Cassin Dalhousie University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/cais1941

Abstract

Using the participatory, arts-based information world mapping (IWM) method, this study investigated the information-seeking behaviors of cave divers before, during, and after cave dives. Cave diving is considered an extreme sport, in which technical divers trained in overhead environments penetrate flooded cave systems. 20 participants were interviewed using the IWM technique and semi-structured open-ended questions. Verbatim clean transcriptions and participant maps were coded using thematic content analysis. Participant data suggests cave divers may be intentionally restrictive in their information-sharing behaviors, choosing vetted contacts willing to reciprocate information exchanges.

 

Sport Extrême et Information: Premières Conclusions du Comportement en Recherche d’Information des Plongeurs·euses Spéléologues Professionnel·le·s

Résumé
En utilisant la méthode participative de la cartographie du monde de l’information (CMI) basée sur les arts, cette étude a examiné les comportements de recherche d’information des plongeurs·euses avant, pendant, et après la plongée dans les cavernes. La plongée souterraine est considérée comme un sport extrême, où les plongeurs·euses professionnel·le·s formés dans des environnements souterrains évoluent dans des systèmes de grottes inondées. 20 participant·e·s ont été interrogés à l’aide de la technique CMI et de questions ouvertes semi-structurées. Les transcriptions ont été reportées mot pour mot et les cartes des participant·e·s ont été codées au moyen d’une analyse de contenu thématique. Les données des participant·e·s suggèrent que les plongeurs·euses spéléologues peuvent être intentionnellement restrictifs dans leurs comportements de partage d’information, choisissant des contacts approuvés prêts à échanger des informations en retour.

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Published

2025-05-23

How to Cite

Beaton, T., & Allison-Cassin, S. (2025). Extreme Sport and Information: Initial Findings of Technical Cave Diver’s Information-Seeking Behaviours . Proceedings of the Annual Conference of CAIS Actes Du congrès Annuel De l’ACSI. https://doi.org/10.29173/cais1941

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Articles