What was new? What did you already know that was refined?
Computer-mediated discourse analysis was a new qualitative method for me, and perhaps my biggest takeaway from this class. As society continues to move deeper into utilizing digital devices as a main mode of communication, our ability to refine our research and analysis of these digital communications becomes more relevant.
Identifying that analysis can be done by simply evaluating “likes” or “hearts” or “smiley faces” was a new concept. The digital modes of communication are evolving and therefore research must evolve as well. Understanding that research analysis can be conducted through the social modalities of text messages, likes and tweets, and the undeterminded future forms of communication will keep me on my toes for my future research.
What methods were you most attracted to and why do you think that is?
The digital research modalities appealed to me most. Our communication methods are evolving, and therefore the research must evolve as well. Even the simplicity of the card sort analysis being transformed into a digital card sort process was appealing. I am more comfortable in creating digital tools, as compared to analog tools. In the card sort analysis example, I would find it cumbersome to write, cut, and sort physical cards. Yet, in the digital card sort analysis, one only needs to create the digital framework and that same framework can be quickly replicated. An analog card sort research project would take weeks to prepare depending on the number of participants, whereas the digital card sort process would only take a few hours.
Yet, as a researcher, we must always be curious, and thus my next question might be: Which modality is better, the analog card sort or the digital card sort? Which one provides more accurate results?
— humm…do I see a future study idea brewing? Perhaps.
Which methods are likely to be ones you use regularly in the future?
Unfortunately, I think the regular research in my future will default back to the traditional quantitative/qualitative analysis. As a researcher, I feel that to be taken seriously in academia, we must adhere to the traditional (boring) methods. Yet, I think this class opened my mind to considering other ways research can be collected and I hope that an opportunity arises where analyzing likes and tweets becomes the preferred measure.
