Abstract
Structured Debate (SD) is a constrained discourse style that is popular in many different forums. The expansion of SD to online platforms leaves many questions about addressing this type of data during analysis. Quantitative Ethnography (QE) may provide a framework for the considerations that need to be made when analyzing SD datasets. In this paper, we review the ways in which QE methods are compatible with SD and the challenges associated with applying this approach. Using data from an online SD forum, we present a narrative of decision-making throughout the analysis process. We found that QE allows for a myriad of insights to be gained from this form of data depending on the approach one takes, including insights into structures, content, and participation. This work intends to serve as a model for researchers hoping to utilize QE on SD and, more broadly, for approaching novel datasets.
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We would like to acknowledge the International Society for Quantitative Ethnography for their work in building a community which brought the authors together for the 2nd COVID Data Challenge.
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Scianna, J., Kaliisa, R., Boisvenue, J.J., Zörgő, S. (2022). Approaching Structured Debate with Quantitative Ethnography in Mind. In: Wasson, B., Zörgő, S. (eds) Advances in Quantitative Ethnography. ICQE 2021. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1522. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-93859-8_3
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