Investigating the Blogosphere

The purpose of this study is to quantify activity in a blogging environment.

This project will support ongoing research to better understand the nuances of the blogging world. In this study the student will learn to use quantitative measurements to gauge blogger behavior and characteristics. After first working with an ISRC researcher to implement a suite of algorithms using a high level programming language, the student will run the tests on a large sample of the blogosphere. Results from the tests will be analyzed then disseminated in a summative report. As time permits, related side projects include validating an emergent blog lifecycle model, evaluating the impact of multimedia (e.g., photo, video) on blogging behavior, and assisting with analysis of qualitative data already gathered nationwide in Spring 2006.

The student should have a basic understanding of computer programming (equivalent to an introductory level programming class).