Gender Differences in Research Topic and Method Selection in Library and Information Science: Perspectives from Three Top Journals

2026-07-02

AI Summary

This study investigates whether gender independently influences methodological choices in Library and Information Science (LIS), beyond the confounding effect of research topic. To this end, we propose CogFT, an automatic classification model grounded in full-text cognitive analysis, integrated with a fine-grained method taxonomy and a mixed quantitative–qualitative approach to systematically examine articles from three premier LIS journals. Our findings reveal that, after controlling for research topic, female scholars are significantly more likely to employ interview-based methods, whereas male scholars exhibit a stronger preference for theoretical approaches—a pattern that remains robust across diverse research topics. These results offer empirical evidence of gendered methodological tendencies in academic practice and contribute to advancing gender inclusivity and equity within the discipline.

Abstract

Research in the social sciences has shown that there are gender differences in the selection of research methods, with women often opting for qualitative methods while men prefer quantitative methods. However, it is important to consider that research methods are generally chosen based on the research topic. To figure out the influence of gender on research method selection, a study was conducted in the field of Library and Information Science, using a more fine-grained method classification system and an automatic classification model called CogFT, which is based on full-text cognition. The findings showed that women tend to use Interview while men prefer Theoretical approach, across a range of topics. The study offers insights into the specific research design processes that contribute to gender differences in method selection and suggests ways to promoting gender inclusivity and equality in academia by considering research method use and guidance.

Problem

• gender differences
• research methods
• Library and Information Science
• method selection
• research topics

Innovation

• CogFT
• automatic classification
• fine-grained method classification
• gender differences
• full-text cognition