How to use Facebook to do study abroad research
What is it about?
We learned about how to use Facebook to do study abroad research by looking a second time at our first investigation of how a study abroad participant developed her language and identity on study abroad and talked about those on Facebook. We were able to categorize the benefits and challenges we noted and put those in the context of other studies in which researchers use Facebook, either as a tool for doing research, or as a place in which to investigate a particular research question. Based on what we learned, we come up with guidelines for other researchers.
Why is it important?
Many researchers are starting to use social media like Facebook for research, there are not many guidelines for researchers. Our article is timely then as researchers realize that we need a solid understanding of how this research can be rigorously and ethically done.