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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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
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Etudes Scientifiques Spécialisées Appliquées aux Communications Humaines, Economiques, Sociales et Symboliques
2013-12-01
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Series: | Essachess |
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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. |
first_indexed | 2024-12-14T01:17:39Z |
format | Article |
id | doaj.art-159bb220c383470e94010a1058b95290 |
institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
issn | 2066-5083 1775-352X |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-12-14T01:17:39Z |
publishDate | 2013-12-01 |
publisher | Etudes Scientifiques Spécialisées Appliquées aux Communications Humaines, Economiques, Sociales et Symboliques |
record_format | Article |
series | Essachess |
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 |
work_keys_str_mv | AT sophieboulay canmethodologicalrequirementsbefulfilledwhenstudyingconcealedorunethicalresearchobjectsthecaseofastroturfing |