Researching With Virtual Reality: Exploring the Methodological Affordances of VR for Sociotechnical Research and Implications for Technical and Professional Communication

IF 1.6 2区 文学 Q2 COMMUNICATION
Jason Tham
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Abstract

Background: Virtual reality (VR) has been studied as a potential tool for preparing technical and professional communication (TPC) practitioners to contribute to emerging technologies. However, no present research in TPC has focused on the methodological value of VR as a sociotechnical research site. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the methodological value of VR by documenting the processes and methods employed by a student researcher in understanding the ways VR affect community building. Literature review: Humanists have explored and theorized virtuality from various perspectives. Social researchers have explored the use of VR in multiple sectors. Yet, TPC has not established a steady agenda for studying VR as a research site. Research questions: 1. What can we learn from a student researcher's experience of conducting social research in VR? 2. What were the methodological challenges in VR interviews? 3. How can TPC scholars use VR for research? Research methodology: Using ethnographic approaches including interviewing, affinity mapping, and reviewing of VR environments, this study collected insights about performing research with VR and its implications for TPC researchers. Results: The study's participant shared their experience with using VR to conduct research. Five categorial themes were identified from the interview: interactivity, reach, usability, positionality, and tactics. Four VR applications were reviewed. Additional methodological strategies were discussed to prepare TPC practitioners for using VR as a research technology. Conclusion: TPC researchers should consider VR as a viable research technology to expand the methodological means of TPC studies.
利用虚拟现实开展研究:探索虚拟现实技术在社会技术研究中的方法论优势及其对技术与专业交流的影响
背景:虚拟现实(VR)已被视为一种潜在的工具,可帮助技术与专业交流(TPC)从业人员为新兴技术做出贡献。然而,目前技术和专业交流领域的研究还没有关注虚拟现实作为社会技术研究场所的方法论价值。因此,本研究旨在通过记录一名学生研究员在了解 VR 如何影响社区建设时所采用的过程和方法,揭示 VR 的方法论价值。文献回顾:人文学者从不同角度对虚拟性进行了探索和理论化。社会研究人员探索了虚拟现实在多个领域的应用。然而,TPC 并未将虚拟现实作为一个研究领域来进行研究。研究问题1.我们能从一名学生研究员在 VR 中开展社会研究的经历中学到什么?2.VR 访谈在方法论上有哪些挑战?3.TPC 学者如何使用 VR 进行研究?研究方法:本研究采用人种学方法,包括访谈、亲和地图绘制和 VR 环境审查,收集有关使用 VR 开展研究的见解及其对 TPC 研究人员的影响。研究结果研究参与者分享了他们使用 VR 开展研究的经验。从访谈中确定了五个分类主题:互动性、覆盖范围、可用性、定位和策略。对四个 VR 应用程序进行了回顾。此外,还讨论了其他方法策略,以便让 TPC 从业人员为使用 VR 作为研究技术做好准备。结论:TPC 研究人员应考虑将 VR 作为一种可行的研究技术,以扩展 TPC 研究的方法手段。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
3.20
自引率
11.80%
发文量
45
期刊介绍: The IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication is a peer-reviewed journal devoted to applied research on professional communication—including but not limited to technical and business communication. Papers should address the research interests and needs of technical communicators, engineers, scientists, information designers, editors, linguists, translators, managers, business professionals, and others from around the globe who practice, conduct research on, and teach others about effective professional communication. The Transactions publishes original, empirical research that addresses one of these contexts: The communication practices of technical professionals, such as engineers and scientists The practices of professional communicators who work in technical or business environments Evidence-based methods for teaching and practicing professional and technical communication.
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