虚拟民族志:对象、范围、路径及其实践应用

Virtual Ethnography: Subjects,Scopes,Approaches and Practical Applications

虚拟民族志作为一种质性研究方法,着重于诠释由互联网技术而塑造的一种全新的社会文化形态。当前,针对虚拟民族志整体性研究缺乏及其存在的交叉重复现象,很有必要对其所涉及的主要问题予以系统地把握和清晰地认知。鉴于此,本文在学术界关于虚拟民族志研究的基础上,进一步厘清和剖析这一质性研究方法的聚焦对象、范围界定、路径选择、实践应用等问题,并力图指出它的未来发展走向。

As a type of qualitative research method, virtual ethnography focuses on interpretation of a new socio-cultural pattern formed by Internet technology. At present, due to a lack of comprehensive study on virtual ethnography and repetitiveness for lack of field boundaries, it is necessary for us to systematically grasp and clearly recognize the main issues involved. In view of this, based on relevant virtual ethnographic research, the author further clarifies and analyses the selection of subjects, scopes, approaches and practical applications of this newly emerged qualitative research method, while pointing out future trends in its development.