Can methodological requirements be fulfilled when studying concealed or unethical research objects? The case of astroturfing

Scientific soundness is key in the development of research designs. Methodological choices bear the responsibility to demonstrate its obtainment. However, it is challenging to abide by these standards while dealing with hidden, masked or unethical objects. In this article, we share the various strat...

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Main Author: Sophie BOULAY
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Etudes Scientifiques Spécialisées Appliquées aux Communications Humaines, Economiques, Sociales et Symboliques 2013-12-01
Series:Essachess
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.essachess.com/index.php/jcs/article/view/221/250
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author Sophie BOULAY
author_facet Sophie BOULAY
author_sort Sophie BOULAY
collection DOAJ
description Scientific soundness is key in the development of research designs. Methodological choices bear the responsibility to demonstrate its obtainment. However, it is challenging to abide by these standards while dealing with hidden, masked or unethical objects. In this article, we share the various strategies employed to aim at a sound scientific process in spite of astroturfing’s characteristics and of the methodological orientations it dictates. Facing the dilemma between the importance of scientific value and the richness of inductive and exploratory approaches, we question the influence of positivist research standards in communication studies. We fear these requirements may limit their development.
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spelling doaj.art-159bb220c383470e94010a1058b952902022-12-21T23:22:31ZengEtudes Scientifiques Spécialisées Appliquées aux Communications Humaines, Economiques, Sociales et SymboliquesEssachess2066-50831775-352X2013-12-01612177187Can methodological requirements be fulfilled when studying concealed or unethical research objects? The case of astroturfingSophie BOULAY0 Département de lettres et communication sociale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, CANADAScientific soundness is key in the development of research designs. Methodological choices bear the responsibility to demonstrate its obtainment. However, it is challenging to abide by these standards while dealing with hidden, masked or unethical objects. In this article, we share the various strategies employed to aim at a sound scientific process in spite of astroturfing’s characteristics and of the methodological orientations it dictates. Facing the dilemma between the importance of scientific value and the richness of inductive and exploratory approaches, we question the influence of positivist research standards in communication studies. We fear these requirements may limit their development.http://www.essachess.com/index.php/jcs/article/view/221/250astroturfingmethodologyexploratory researchscientific paradigm
spellingShingle Sophie BOULAY
Can methodological requirements be fulfilled when studying concealed or unethical research objects? The case of astroturfing
Essachess
astroturfing
methodology
exploratory research
scientific paradigm
title Can methodological requirements be fulfilled when studying concealed or unethical research objects? The case of astroturfing
title_full Can methodological requirements be fulfilled when studying concealed or unethical research objects? The case of astroturfing
title_fullStr Can methodological requirements be fulfilled when studying concealed or unethical research objects? The case of astroturfing
title_full_unstemmed Can methodological requirements be fulfilled when studying concealed or unethical research objects? The case of astroturfing
title_short Can methodological requirements be fulfilled when studying concealed or unethical research objects? The case of astroturfing
title_sort can methodological requirements be fulfilled when studying concealed or unethical research objects the case of astroturfing
topic astroturfing
methodology
exploratory research
scientific paradigm
url http://www.essachess.com/index.php/jcs/article/view/221/250
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