Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation
In this article, knowledge building through combinations of methods in a digital context is discussed and explored. Two types of digital bigger and smaller data-driven media studies are used as examples: digital focus groups and the combination of internet traffic measurements, surveys and diaries....
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Sciendo
2019-06-01
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| Series: | Nordicom Review |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.2478/nor-2019-0015 |
| _version_ | 1827881063982039040 |
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| author | Leckner Sara Severson Pernilla |
| author_facet | Leckner Sara Severson Pernilla |
| author_sort | Leckner Sara |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In this article, knowledge building through combinations of methods in a digital context is discussed and explored. Two types of digital bigger and smaller data-driven media studies are used as examples: digital focus groups and the combination of internet traffic measurements, surveys and diaries. The article proposes the concept of digital method triangulation. Digital method triangulation is argued to be a way to approach the “meaning problem” to make sense of small and big data. Digital method triangulation is argued 1) to stimulate the innovative use of known methods for unexpected dimensions within the studied topic; 2) with appropriate theoretical and meta-theoretical reflections, to provide more certainty in conclusions; and 3) to assist in constructing a more comprehensive perspective on specific analyses. The conclusion is that triangulation is even more important in the digital realm, as it facilitates dialogue between conventional and digital methods, dialogue that seems crucial to capture the complexities of the onlife. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T18:32:30Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-f368abf61d1845189923aa54fd723012 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2001-5119 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T18:32:30Z |
| publishDate | 2019-06-01 |
| publisher | Sciendo |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Nordicom Review |
| spelling | doaj.art-f368abf61d1845189923aa54fd7230122023-08-02T08:15:13ZengSciendoNordicom Review2001-51192019-06-0140s1799410.2478/nor-2019-0015Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method TriangulationLeckner Sara0Severson Pernilla1Department of Computer Science and Media Technology, Faculty of Technology and Society, Malmö University, SwedenDepartment of Media and Journalism, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Linnaeus University, SwedenIn this article, knowledge building through combinations of methods in a digital context is discussed and explored. Two types of digital bigger and smaller data-driven media studies are used as examples: digital focus groups and the combination of internet traffic measurements, surveys and diaries. The article proposes the concept of digital method triangulation. Digital method triangulation is argued to be a way to approach the “meaning problem” to make sense of small and big data. Digital method triangulation is argued 1) to stimulate the innovative use of known methods for unexpected dimensions within the studied topic; 2) with appropriate theoretical and meta-theoretical reflections, to provide more certainty in conclusions; and 3) to assist in constructing a more comprehensive perspective on specific analyses. The conclusion is that triangulation is even more important in the digital realm, as it facilitates dialogue between conventional and digital methods, dialogue that seems crucial to capture the complexities of the onlife.https://doi.org/10.2478/nor-2019-0015digital methodstriangulationmeaning problemmethodological developmentbig and small data |
| spellingShingle | Leckner Sara Severson Pernilla Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation Nordicom Review digital methods triangulation meaning problem methodological development big and small data |
| title | Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation |
| title_full | Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation |
| title_short | Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation |
| title_sort | exploring the meaning problem of big and small data through digital method triangulation |
| topic | digital methods triangulation meaning problem methodological development big and small data |
| url | https://doi.org/10.2478/nor-2019-0015 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT lecknersara exploringthemeaningproblemofbigandsmalldatathroughdigitalmethodtriangulation AT seversonpernilla exploringthemeaningproblemofbigandsmalldatathroughdigitalmethodtriangulation |