A1 Journal article (refereed)
Contextualizing Everyday Data Literacies : The Case of Recreational Runners (2023)

Palsa, L., & Mertala, P. (2023). Contextualizing Everyday Data Literacies : The Case of Recreational Runners. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2241612

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Palsa, Lauri; Mertala, Pekka

Journal or series: International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction

ISSN: 1044-7318

eISSN: 1532-7590

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 03/08/2023

Volume: Early online

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2241612

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/88800

Web address of parallel published publication (pre-print): https://doi.org/10.35542/osf.io/ab5r2

Abstract

Data literacy is typically described in a decontextualized manner, and many data literacy frameworks are detached from the “messy” realities of everyday life. In the present study, we selected a specific context (recreational running), specific data technology (self-tracking devices), and specific viewpoint (accuracy of data and analyses) to construct a substantial theory of (one form of) contextual data literacy. The research question is: How does recreational runners’ everyday data literacy appear in relation to the accuracy of measurements and analyses of self-tracking devices? Through an abductive analysis of qualitative survey data (N = 1057), we identified the data literacy actions that runners engaged with when assessing the accuracy of data in relation to their subjective needs, objectives, and life situations. The first-order data literacy actions (comparison and evaluation) captured how runners assessed and analyzed the accuracy of data, and they took place mainly in the immediate context of running. The second-order data literacy actions (acceptance, adaptation, and optimization) were the result of the runners’ reflections on what they sought from running and how they valued data, as well as their broader life situation.

Keywords: data; wearable technology; measurement; running; exercise (people); condition; objectives; context; literacy

Free keywords: data literacy; self-tracking; running; contextualization; wearables

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

JUFO rating: 2