Hoi, I would love to understand the arguments how excluding English speakers from outside the US does not have a detrimental effect on the quality of this study when the study is to understand the motivation of contributors to the English language Wikipedia. Thanks, GerardM
On 3/21/07, Benjamin Keith Johnson john2429@msu.edu wrote:
Hi all,
I'm completing a Master's thesis in Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media at Michigan State University. My topic is, of course, Wikipedia. You may have seen my advertisement for research subjects on the wikipedia-l list or at the Village Pump. I'm doing in-depth interviews with contributors... basically my perspective is Wikipedia as a public good and "why" individuals contribute, following the work of Olson; Ostrom; Kollock & Smith; Bimber, Flanagin, & Stohl; Forte & Bruckman; and others.
I've already received several queries regarding the limitation of interviewees to U.S. residents. Frankly, it's an IRB restriction, and the decision was made that excluding other English speakers is not a liability in a small, purposive sample.
I'd be interested in any comments or feedback, and am willing to entertain questions. Thanks, and have a great night!
Benjamin Johnson MA Student in Information, Policy and Society Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media 428 Communication Arts and Sciences East Lansing, MI 48824 Cell: 517.230.1272 john2429@msu.edu
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