Nørskov, S. V.& Rask, M. (2011) Observation of Online Communities : A Discussion of Online and Offline Observer Roles in Studying Development, Cooperation and Coordination in an Open Source Software Environment. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 2 (3)
Observation of Online Communities : A Discussion of Online and Offline Observer Roles in Studying Development, Cooperation and Coordination in an Open Source Software Environment
Abstract
This paper addresses the application of observation to online settings with a
special focus on observer roles. It draws on a study of online observation of a
virtual community, i.e. an open source software (OSS) community. The paper
examines general and specific advantages and disadvantages of the observer roles
in online settings by relating these roles to the same roles assumed in offline
settings. The study suggests that under the right circumstances online and
offline observation may benefit from being combined as they complement each
other well. Quality issues and factors important to elicit trustworthy
observational data from online study settings, such as OSS communities, are
discussed. A proposition is made concerning how threats to credibility and
transferability in relation to online observation (i.e. lack of richness and
detail, risk of misunderstandings) can be diminished, while maintaining the
level of dependability (which is potentially high due to a greater degree of
anonymity and "isolation" in online settings). The paper thus suggests that the
less participative the researcher's online observer role is, the more s/he
should consider introducing offline data collection techniques rather than
adopting a more participative role in the observed online setting. This
methodological discussion forms the basis for making a well-considered choice of
online observer role rather than passively sliding into a role assigned by the
setting.
Key Words
online data; observation; observer roles; mailing lists; open source software
communities
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