Integrating diverse research and development approaches to the construction of social cyberspaces

Abstract

Researchers take a broad range of approaches in studying social cyberspaces, and each approach has its own theoretical underpinnings, goals, methods, advantages, and disadvantages. We intend to bring researchers from various backgrounds together, document the range of variation in this interdisciplinary area, and build connections among these practitioners. Using a survey instrument, this workshop will create a resource catalog (distributed through the web) that can be used by others in this field to guide them through the range of approaches in current use. Particular attention will be paid to the advantages and disadvantages of the different methodological approaches researchers take to understand, develop and enhance specific research topics.