Research Programs as a Tool to Map Internet Studies

Abstract

Internet studies is claimed to be multidisciplinary but under-theorized. In this chapter, Lakatos’ concept of research program is proposed as an analytical tool to delineate and describe different research approaches with regard to theories and other guiding assumptions. Thinking in terms of research program is an analytical process that links the guiding assumptions to how the research is carried out. To test the method, three suggested research programs have been characterized with reference to academic origin, aim of knowledge, assumptions about the actor, typical theories, methodologies, and methods: • Computer-mediated communication • Human-computer interaction • Mass communication studies The concept of research program helps the researcher to put a research case in its scientific context: • Which are the basic assumptions that my research methods are founded upon? • Are there additional tacit or implicit assumptions? • How do these assumptions influence the organization of my research? • Do they differ from the way other scientists in the field of Internet studies are doing their work? Being aware of that the results obtained are based on certain assumptions and theories, explicitly or not, sharpens the critical thinking: What happens with my results if the assumptions are modified?