| Summary: | <br><b>Introduction.</b> This study examined how human information behaviour researchers present research study participants through the following research questions: How do human information behaviour researchers describe participants in reports of empirical research?; and, What strategies do human information behaviour researchers use in their presentation of participants? <br><b>Method.</b> and <br><b>Analysis.</b> A content analysis was conducted of 96 research reports published in the 1996-2004 ISIC proceedings. Articles were coded for data collection and data analysis methods, the use of theory, and parts of the article (title, abstract, literature search, method, findings, discussion/conclusion) where participants were included. Also noted were terms used to label research participants, data collection practises and strategies used by authors to present users. <br><b>Results.</b> Authors use a variety of terms and data collection practices that construct the user/participant as both peripheral and central to research. <br><b>Conclusion.</b> Researchers must bring greater consciousness to the conduct and reporting of their research. Improvements are needed in doctoral training, research methods texts and publishers' instructions to authors.
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