Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
2
DESIGNING AN
ONLINE STUDY
Chapter summary
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Conceptualizing and operationalizing a study
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Questions related to method selection
•
Sampling
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Selecting a technology
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Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Getting started and conceptualizing
Likeanyotherresearchendeavor,onlineresearchbeginswithinterestsandideas
and various theoretical perspectives that inform the development of a project.
Before thinking through technological issues and challenges for a given study,
researchers should spend time working through the specifics of their research
endeavor.Thetypesofissuesincludeprojecttiming,clarityoftheresearchprob-
lemtobestudied,objectivesfortheresearch,activitiesandmethodologiestobe
undertaken in the research, anticipated outcomes and, when appropriate, avail-
ablefunding.Ofcourse,noneofthisisnewtoaresearcher.
Where online research begins to deviate from traditional research is in con-
ceptualizing and operationalizing the research endeavor. Meanings can be
slightly different and nuanced in online environments. Mann and Stewart state:
“CMChascharacteristicswhichdonotfitwithinmoretraditionalmodesofdata
collectionandwhichmaychallengesomestandardassumptionsaboutlanguage
use, interpersonal relationship and group dynamics” (2000: 3). As such, care
should be taken in conceptualizing the research effort so that all language and
core constructs are clearly defined and understood. For example, “flaming” can
beanadjectivedescribingsomethingthatisonfire,inAmericancultureitcanbe
descriptive slang for a homosexual male perceived to be flaunting his sexuality,
and online it refers to posting hostile or insulting messages. These different
meaningsillustratetheneedforclarityinlanguageusedinonlineresearch.
Somesocialscientistsstudygroupdynamics.Theresearchmethodsofinter-
viewing and focus groups often depend on interpersonal dynamics. While
the online environment offers opportunities, it also presents challenges for an
