<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>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.</p>
</abstract>

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.

Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation

Department of Computer Science and Media Technology, Faculty of Technology and Society

Department of Media and Journalism, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Nordicom Review

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

In this article, knowledge building through combinations of methods in a digital context is discussed and explored. Two types of digital bigger and smaller...

Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation

Published Online: Jun 28, 2019

Page range: 79 - 94

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/nor-2019-0015

Keywords
digital methods, triangulation, meaning problem, methodological development, big and small data

© 2019 Sara Leckner et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Exploring the Meaning Problem of Big and Small Data Through Digital Method Triangulation

Published Online: Jun 28, 2019

Page range: 79 - 94

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/nor-2019-0015

Keywordsdigital methods, triangulation, meaning problem, methodological development, big and small data

© 2019 Sara Leckner et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
digital methods, triangulation, meaning problem, methodological development, big and small data