Fellow netizens
I have been seriously LURKING for the last ...ages in my role as
virtual researcher of gp-uk :-). I've finished observing and I am
writing up my dissertation for a Masters In Primary Care at Sheffield
Department of General Practice. The research is called "Participation
in an electronic mailing list by the GP community; a case study of
gp-uk"
I have adopted the ethical stance of many researchers using
cybertexts ie the messages we have all written and posted to gp-uk. I have used
mainly publicly accessible postings. No gp-uk writer will be identifiable
personally. I have used 1 or 2 sentence quotes in my data analysis
section.
I will be using ordinary professional and academic guide-line to maintain
confidentiality. Those who have sent me stuff privately, I believe I have their
informed consent. The listowners have approved of the study.
If anyone has any concerns you can e-mail me privately.
I have been researching gp-uk using a qualitative
methodology. I am using NUDIST qualitative data computer software to
assist in analysis.
I have been interested in comparing gp-uk with three theoretical
frameworks derived from the literature.
a) a collaborative mass media: gp-uk seems to have achieved a
critical mass of regular contributors. The ability to broadcast information
means that some participants can use the information resources contained
within gp-uk
b)a learning community: GPs and non GP members are under going
professional development through the use of gp-uk. There may be a
knowledge capital i.e the knowledge of the community is greater than
the sum of its parts
Evaluation is a problem at the gp-uk level. For instance PGEA approval could
be sort by using gp-uk and the web as resources to support a portfolio of
learning.
c)a virtual community; GPs and their colleagues are finding the professional
support that they are finding it difficult to achieve conventionally.
Using this model one can enjoy the clash between the "cynics" and the
"academics" and the "professionals"
The dissertation when it is done will be available on a web site.
Thanks to everyone who helped in this study.
Cheers
Chris Roberts
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