http://wiki-riki.wikispaces.com/Research+Papers+and+Reports -> "Wikibook AERA paper.pdf"

Sajjapanroj, S., Bonk, C. J., Lee, M., & Lin, M.-F. G. (2007, April). The challenges and successes of Wikibookian experts and Wikibook novices: Classroom and community perspectives. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.

The Challenges and Successes of Wikibookian Experts and Wikibook Novices: Classroom and Community Collaborative Experiences

Abstract: The present study explored the creation of Wikibooks in both classroom (i.e., Wikibook Novices) and general community (i.e., Wikibookian Experts) contexts. Observations, surveys, and follow-up email interviews were the primary means of data collection. This study analyzed various demographic data of Wikibookians as well as motivational factors involved in Wikibook creation. Other variables explored included Wikibook ownership, challenges, frustrations, perceptions of success and completion, and norms for collaboration in the Wikibook community. The results indicate that Wikibookians were young males with varying educational backgrounds; fewer than half without a four year college degree. Wikibookian Experts were more likely to perceive that a Wikibook could be completed than Wikibook Novices in a classroom project. And compared to the novices, the Wikibookians Experts were also more likely to indicate that no one owns a Wikibook. Still there were similarities across the populations in this survey. For instance, they both tended to see a Wikibook environment as informal, exploratory, collaborative, and somewhat independent, though in varying degrees. They also recognized that there are multiple roles involved in the completion of a Wikibook—contributor, author, reader, etc.—as well as multiple owners or no owner of the final Wikibook product; assuming that there is a final product. Importantly, they perceive at a Wikibook project as a way to share knowledge, obtain personal growth, publish their work, learn new technologies, and make a contribution to society. However, the Wikibook Novices favored the publishing avenues it provided as well as the technology experimentation whereas the Wikibook experts focused on sharing knowledge and looking for personal growth and enrichment. Many research avenues are noted to follow-up some of these similarities and differences.

cheers, Brianna