A30.
Rice,
R.E. (1990). Computer-mediated communication system network data:
Theoretical
concerns and empirical examples.
International Journal of Man-Machine
Studies, 32(6), 627-647.
The review combines two separate foci in recent research: (1) the
diffusion and use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems in
organizations,
and (2) the conceptualization of communication as a process of
interaction
and convergence, as conceptualization of communication as a process of
interaction and convergence, as represented by the network paradigm.
The
article discusses (1) rationales for this combined focus based upon the
characteristics of CMC systems, (2) application of the network paradigm
to study CMC systems, (3) the collection samples, usage data, network
flows,
and content by CMC systems, (4) some theoretical issues that may be
illuminated
through analyses of data collected by CMC systems. The article
concludes
by discussing issues of reliability, validity and ethics.
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