Handbook Of Research On Methods And Techniques For Studying Virtual Communities

"This book satisfies the need for methodological consideration and tools for data collection, analysis and presentation in virtual communities, covering studies on various types of virtual communities, making this reference a comprehensive source of research for those in the social sciences and humanities"--Provided by publisher.

"This book satisfies the need for methodological consideration and tools for data collection, analysis and presentation in virtual communities, covering studies on various types of virtual communities, making this reference a comprehensive source of research for those in the social sciences and humanities"--Provided by publisher.

This book brings into focus the technologically augmented nature of global online communities, advancing research methods that reveal the imprint of emergent social forms and characterise digital frontiers of social engagement. Drawing on insights from across the social sciences, it presents a case study of people with passions for reptiles and amphibians to illustrate for next generation researchers how to conduct community research in the real world. Richly illustrated with ethnographic research, together with extensive survey and interview material drawn from around the world, Research Methods and Global Online Communities explores the changing nature of communities that form around common interests and are embedded in a digital architecture rather than place. In doing so, this book transcends the digital dualism of online/offline models of community and engages with debates on the social impacts of the internet and the adaptive nature of community. As such, it will appeal to social scientists interested in innovative approaches to characterising digital communities through mixed-methods research practice.

A practical guide to the ethnographic study of online cultures, and beyond Ethnography and Virtual Worlds is the only book of its kind—a concise, comprehensive, and practical guide for students, teachers, designers, and scholars interested in using ethnographic methods to study online virtual worlds, including both game and nongame environments. Written by leading ethnographers of virtual worlds, and focusing on the key method of participant observation, the book provides invaluable advice, tips, guidelines, and principles to aid researchers through every stage of a project, from choosing an online fieldsite to writing and publishing the results. Provides practical and detailed techniques for ethnographic research customized to reflect the specific issues of online virtual worlds, both game and nongame Draws on research in a range of virtual worlds, including Everquest, Second Life, There.com, and World of Warcraft Provides suggestions for dealing with institutional review boards, human subjects protocols, and ethical issues Guides the reader through the full trajectory of ethnographic research, from research design to data collection, data analysis, and writing up and publishing research results Addresses myths and misunderstandings about ethnographic research, and argues for the scientific value of ethnography

Social networks are a nearly universal element of modern, information-driven societies, one that presents many opportunities and advantages—and challenges and hazards—for organizations as well as individuals. Studies in Virtual Communities, Blogs, and Modern Social Networking: Measurements, Analysis, and Investigations provides a cross-cultural perspective of social networking, including ethical considerations and business implications. Readers will find a detailed treatment of technical, social, and legal issues inherent in online virtual communities, exploring methods of effectively implementing the latest social tools in their everyday practices, both professional and personal, in the interest of improved security and sustainability in digital collaborative environments.

"The Handbook of Methodological Approaches to Community-Based Research is intended to aid the community-oriented researcher in learning about and applying cutting-edge quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches"--

"This 10-volume compilation of authoritative, research-based articles contributed by thousands of researchers and experts from all over the world emphasized modern issues and the presentation of potential opportunities, prospective solutions, and future directions in the field of information science and technology"--Provided by publisher.

With coverage of the entire research process in social media, data collection and analysis on specific platforms, and innovative developments in the field, this handbook is the ultimate resource for those looking to tackle the challenges that come with doing research in this sphere.