Discussion #6: Creating a Research Plan
In “What Constitutes Quality in Qualitative Internet Research?” Nancy Baym argues that “making wise research choices has never been about distinguishing right from wrong but about finding the most appropriate path given the specific point in the specific project.” For this discussion, think about the “most appropriate path” at this stage in your research.
Part of developing a plan for research involves determining which tools are appropriate and useful for your research question. Start by choosing 2-3 of the tools discussed in the Social Media Tools spreadsheet. Follow the URL back to the host site of each tool and review any introductory materials, provided examples, and installation instructions. Then, answer the following questions in your discussion post:
- Which tools did you choose to investigate?
- What are the requirements for using each of these tools? Are there any special installation or system requirements? What type of files do they require for input?
- What is the purpose of each of these tools (data collection, visualization, etc.)?
- Why might these tools be appropriate for answering your research question?
- What are two troubleshooting resources for each of the tools (YouTube videos, Stack Overflow, FAQ)?
In justifying your answers, make sure to include information from at least one of the assigned articles:
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- Baym, Nancy K “What Constitutes Quality in Qualitative Internet Research?” In Internet Inquiry: Conversations about Method, edited by Nancy K. Baym and Annette M. Markham, 173-189. Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2009.
- Baym, Nancy K., and Annette M. Markham (eds). “Introduction: Making Smart Choices on Shifting Ground.” In Internet Inquiry: Conversations about Method, vii-xix. Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2009.
- boyd, danah, and Kate Crawford. “Critical Questions for Big Data: Provocations for a Cultural, Technological and Scholarly Phenomenon.” Information, Communication & Society 15, no. 5 (2012): 662-79.
Make sure to cite any information you include in the citation format of your choice. Respond to at least two (2) of your peers to earn full credit.
