Interrelated -- Not Always Completely Worked Out,

¶ … interrelated -- not always completely worked out, but ways to guide research and experimental design. Within each theoretical framework we find cases that are objects in which we study behavior, characteristics, and attributes. Then, we must have dependent and independent variables. The dependent variable is the outcome -- or the variable one is trying to explain or predict; the independent variable is the explanatory factor(s) that explain variation -- the causes.

(a) The literature review is a procedure or body of text that reviews the current and past knowledge of a particular subject; typically designed so the researcher is certain to understand what the field has already said about the research question, what holes may be in the research, and what needs to be answered. One alternative to the literature review is a mixed method study (qualitative and quantitative) method called a meta-analysis that allows the researcher to compare, contrast, and combine results from different studies that may even have disparate views. This helps, too, with a systematic review of the information in the field on a particular method or subject.

(b) Using a literature review is advantageous because it asks the researcher to find and analyze groupings of thought on a particular subject. It allows a greater sense of expertise, and helps to formalize the research question by establishing parameters and reducing the idea of duplication from the research question; and also to enhance directionality of the research. Disadvantages to the process include needing to be at a particularly high level of skill to effectively analyze the sources and the limitation of most of the literature being older and potentially outdated material that may or may not be relevant to the new research question.

(c) A meta-analysis approach is advantageous over a literature review because it tends to show if results are more varied and can more easily generalize to the population under study. It allows for more inclusive current information and shows if publication or author bias exists. However, it is also disadvantageous in that one must be careful to include the right type and number of studies; several small studies do not necessarily predict the results of a large, longitudinal study.

3. (a)

Dependent Variables

Demographics, geographic, knowledge of social networks and online communities

Age, gender, income, experience, urban, rural, computer literacy, familiarity with SNS

Independent Variables

Online community content

Content and mode of transmission remains independent of outside influences

Moderating Variables

Demographics as well that affects the strength of relationship to social networks

Sex, race, class, economic type, education, level of reward, etc.

Mediating Variables

Education and Class (how these affect the way users perceive social networks or have access); educational level, experience, etc.

Relationships between predictor and any criteria; relationships between other variables