A Review of Research Methods for Assessing Content of Computer-Mediated Discussion Forums

New Search

Print Abstract

E-mail Abstract

Full Text

Save to My Collections

Export Citation

Marra, R. (2006). A Review of Research Methods for Assessing Content of Computer-Mediated Discussion Forums. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 17(3), 243-267. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/6290.

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Journal Information

Journal of Interactive Learning Research
ISSN 1093-023X
Volume 17, Issue 3, July 2006
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)  Chesapeake, VA

More Information on JILR

Author

Rose Marra, University of Missouri, United States

Abstract

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies are becoming increasingly important components of online educational environments (Romiszowski & Mason, 2004). The online discussion forum that is a significant component of many web-based courses is one type of CMC. Instructors and students rely on these asynchronous forums to engage one another in ways that replace face-to-face communication. The goal of such interactions is to promote critical thinking, meaningful problem solving, and knowledge construction (Kirschner, Strijbos, Kreijns, & Beers, 2004). In spite of the importance of these forums, the most common methods for assessing the content and outcomes of these forums have often been limited to frequency counts and other quantitative measures (Mason, 1992; Romiszowski & Mason, 2004). In order to assess any meaning that results from these discussions, it is necessary to perform some kind of semantic analysis of them. This article provides an overview of current methods of quantitative and qualitative research paradigms for analyzing the content of asynchronous computer-mediated discussion forums. For each analysis method we describe the research method, provide an example of a research study that used that method, describe the types of questions that this method can address, and compare the methods in terms of validity and reliability. Researchers and instructors will be able to use this analysis to become familiar with the choices available and make decisions about appropriate methods for analyzing CMC forums.

Keywords

• Evaluation
• Research Methods

Also Read

• Factors Affecting Asynchronous Discussion in a Graduate Education Course
• An Analysis of the Use of Roles for Online Discussions in a Higher Education Onlne Graduate Course
• Usage Analysis in Learning Systems
• The Connected Learning Space
• Student Participation Patterns in Online Discussion: Incorporating Constructivist Discussion into Online Courses
• The Effects of the Use of Interactive Whiteboards on Student Achievement
• A New Teacher Tool, Interactive White Boards: A Meta Analysis
• R2D2: A Constructivist/Interpretivist Instructional Design Model
• A REVIEW OF WEB-BASED LEARNING SYSTEMS FOR PROGRAMMING
• Meeting Technology Requirements in Newly Structured Teacher Preparation Program

Tags