Researching Community in Distributed Environments: Approaches for Studying Cross-Blog Interactions

View Sample PDF

Author(s): Vanessa Paz Dennen (Florida State University, USA), Jennifer B. Myers (Florida State University, USA)and Christie L. Suggs (Florida State University, USA)
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 21
Source title: Handbook of Research on Methods and Techniques for Studying Virtual Communities: Paradigms and Phenomena
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Ben Kei Daniel (University of Saskatchewan, Canada)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-040-2.ch030

Keywords: Information Science Reference / Media & Communications / Social Computing / Virtual Communities & Virtual Reality

Purchase

View Researching Community in Distributed Environments: Approaches for Studying Cross-Blog Interactions on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

In this chapter we examine how a variety of research approaches can be applied to the study of cross-blog interactions. Cross-blog interactions can be challenging to study because of they often require the researcher to reconsider traditional notions of temporality, discourse space, and conversation. Further, in many instances they are neither static nor well defined; defining the beginning and end of a discussion as well as locating all components of the discussion can be difficult. For this reason, we advocate a blend of six approaches (social network analysis, content analysis, discourse analysis, conversation analysis, narrative analysis, and ethnography). For each, we discuss strengths and limitations and provide examples of how the approach may be used to help fully capture the complexity of these interactions. Additionally we discuss web-based tools that are helpful when engaged in this type of research.

The IRMA Community

Research IRM

Researching Community in Distributed Environments: Approaches for Studying Cross-Blog Interactions

Purchase

Abstract

Related Content

IRMA Sponsors