3.1 Introduction
From a conventional perspective, referring to the data samples in this study as “conversation” is a misnomer, as conversation traditionally implies spoken interchange requiring physical proximity. This section describes the theories used to interpret online, texted “chat” for this study.
Chatroom “talk” is analyzed using conversation analysis principles, including turn-taking, sequential organization, repair organization, and turn construction design. Other researchers have found conversation analysis effective for studying computer-mediated communication (CMC) (e.g., Dingley, 2000; Titscher et al., 2000; Garcia and Jacobs, 1999).
Methodology in cyberspace differs from other environments. Sherry Turkle notes: “Virtual reality poses a new methodological challenge for the researcher” (Turkle, 1995, p.34, quoted by Hamman, 1996).