Methodological Issues in the Content Analysis of Computer Conference Transcripts

摘要

This paper discusses the potential and the methodological challenges of analyzingcomputer conference transcripts using quantitative content analysis. The paper is divided intosix sections, which discuss: criteria for content analysis, research designs, types of content,units of analysis, ethical issues, and software to aid analysis. The discussion is supported with asurvey of 19 commonly referenced studies published during the last decade. The paper isdesigned to assist researchers in using content analysis to further the understanding of teachingand learning using computer conferencing.