On New Means or New Forms of Investigation. A Methodological Proposal for Online Social Investigation through a Virtual Forum

Authors

  • Rubén Arriazu Muñoz Universidad Complutense de Madrid

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-8.3.275

Keywords:

virtual forum, online social research methods, asynchronous communication, computer mediated communication, virtual socialization

Abstract

Processes and instruments of communication have constituted an important object for Internet researchers, and have been investigated using qualitative methodologies in social research. The most common strategy has been to adapt orthodox instruments and procedures to the virtual context. In this paper I address the following questions in order to develop a framework for virtual research. Using a virtual forum as starting point, I ask: Is virtual research a new taxonomy or an extension of conventional social research techniques? Is virtual research located at the same level as face-to-face research? Is it a new communicational research form? This paper presents a methodological approach using virtual forums as tools where asynchronous communication flows. I analyze the use of virtual forums in interaction with the social context, and articulate the method that emerges from this fieldwork situation. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0703374

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Author Biography

Rubén Arriazu Muñoz, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Rubén ARRIAZU MUÑOZ es personal docente investigador en el Departamento de Metodología de la Investigación Social de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Sus áreas de interés se centran en el análisis de la implementación de las técnicas de investigación social en el entorno virtual.

Published

2007-09-30

How to Cite

Arriazu Muñoz, R. (2007). On New Means or New Forms of Investigation. A Methodological Proposal for Online Social Investigation through a Virtual Forum. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-8.3.275

Issue

Section

Thematic Issue