This document presents a theoretical framework for analyzing network-based discussion groups online. It discusses Niklas Luhmann's systems theory and Rafaelis's concept of interactivity as theoretical starting points. It proposes analyzing online discussions across three dimensions (semantic, temporal, personal/structural) and four levels (message, topic, person, thread) in a research matrix. Based on an literature review, it hypothesizes patterns of communicative progress in online discussions, such as a high proportion of unanswered messages and an unequal distribution of participant activity.

1. IR 9.0, Copenhagen In-line or out of Control? A General Research Framework to Analyze Network-Based Discussion Groups Maren Lübcke

10. Research Matrix revised 3 dimensions of communicative meaning temporal personal structural Thread Person Topic Message

11. Research Matrix revised Formally stated, interactivity is an expression of the extent that in a given series of communication exchanges, any third (or later) transmission (or message) is related to the degree to which previous exchanges referred to even earlier transmissions“ (Rafaeli 1988, 111) semantical temporal personal structural Thread Person Topic Message

12. Research Matrix revised semantical temporal personal structural Thread Person Topic Message

13. Research Matrix revised Is there a threshold of number of messages ? Does authorship influence message answering? How does messages develop in time? What kind of messages get more responses? E.g critical messages semantical temporal personal structural Message