Researching Virtual Worlds : Methodologies for Studying Emergent Practices

This volume presents a wide range of qualitative methodological strategies which are designed to tackle and take into account the complex, emergent, and continually shifting character of Virtual Worlds. The book concentrates on the theme of emergence and phenomena in flux – on how objects are brought into being, and transformed in, co-construction processes in social interaction. In addition, these methodological strategies also provide a foundation for the study of other complex, emergent phenomena.

This volume presents a wide range of methodological strategies that are designed to take into account the complex, emergent, and continually shifting character of virtual worlds. It interrogates how virtual worlds emerge as objects of study through the development and application of various methodological strategies. Virtual worlds are not considered objects that exist as entities with fixed attributes independent of our continuous engagement with them and interpretation of them. Instead, they are conceived of as complex ensembles of technology, humans, symbols, discourses, and economic structures, ensembles that emerge in ongoing practices and specific situations.

A broad spectrum of perspectives and methodologies is presented: Actor-Network-Theory and post-Actor-Network-Theory, performativity theory, ethnography, discourse analysis, Sense-Making Methodology, visual ethnography, multi-sited ethnography, and Social Network Analysis.