Methodological research of real and virtual identity
Main Article Content
Abstract
This paper is focused on the differences and similarities of research methods about appearance and manifestation of identity in real and virtual phenomenological field. In online analyses, methodological hybrids have been usually used. Online analyze of behavior is mixture of many research methods, for example: ethnography, autobiography, message analysis, picture virtual behavior etc. In offline analysis of the online activities, researchers are exploring the relation between cyberspace appearance, activity and real life appearance and behavior usually using traditional offline methods. The mainly common explanation of the identity is that, identity at the same time mean sameness of self in time and space and difference with others. It is usually seen as a collection of roles which one plays according to “scene”, but in every role there is awareness about the sameness of the self. Identity in virtual environment can be seen as one role among others who are played in the real world. Every person who establishes a communication in virtual and social environments owns a virtual identity. Virtual Identity is the manifestation of one’s self in the digital world of e-commerce, e-mail, social networking, and virtual worlds. Identity in digital age is no longer tied to static, physical anchors, such as driver’s licenses or passports. The main question whish this paper will try to answer is: can we apply classical methodology approaches, procedures and techniques used for exploration of identity appearance in real world to explore the appearance of identity in virtual world? Quantitative and qualitative research methods used for the research in “both worlds” will be challenged
Article Details
How to Cite
MARKOVIKJ, Marijana; SERAFIMOVSKA, Eleonora.
Methodological research of real and virtual identity.
Investigating Culture, [S.l.], n. 1, sep. 2015.
ISSN 1857-9116.
Available at: <https://journals.cultcenter.net/index.php/investigating/article/view/199>. Date accessed: 19 feb. 2025.
Keywords
real identity, virtual identity, research methods
Section
English articles

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[3] H, Megan, B, Martin “Cybermethods: An assessment,” First Monday, vol 8, no 2 - 3 February, 2003 [Online]. Available: http://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/1035/956
[4] S, Kiesler, L, Sproull, “Reducing social context cues: Electronic mail in organizational communication,” Management science, vol 30, no 11, November, 1986 [Online]. Available: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~kiesler/publications/PDFs/SPROULL_KIESLER_1986_Reduci.pdf
[5] A, Leburic, M. Sladic, “Metode istrazivanja internet kao novog menja,” ACTA IADER 1/2004 p.45-64, 2004.
[6] C, Sütçü, E, Akyaz, N, E, Dilmen, “Real and virtual identities,”2006 [Online]. Available: http://newmedia.yeditepe.edu.tr/pdfs/isimd_06/22.pdf
[7] R, Jenkins, Social Identity 3ed., London and New York: Routledge, Taylor and Fransis group, 2008 [Online]. Available: http://www.pueg.unam.mx/images/seminarios2014/genero_y_politica/mes_tres/Jenkins-
[8] R, Hamman, “Research methodology on line”, Cyber sociology magazine., Issue 6. 1999. [Online]. Available: http://www.cybersociology.com/issue_6_research_methodology_online/
[9] D,Ćalović, “Identitet u vremenu cyber svjetova,” Filozofska istraživanja, vol.32 no.1 Travanj. 2012. [Online]. Available: http://hrcak.srce.hr/84007
[10] R,V, Kozinets “The field behind the screen: Using Netnography for Marketing Research in online Communities, “ Journal of marketing research, 39: 61-72, 2002.
[11] R,V, Kozinets “Enspuling Consumption: A Nethnographic Exploration of the meaning of Boycotting Behaviour,” Advance in Consumer Research, 25:475-480.
[12] J,R, Suler, “Identity management in Cyberspace,” Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic studies, 4, p 455-460, 2002.
[13] M, Markovik, E, Serafimovska “Real self concept versus digital identity on Facebook,” Electronic communication, cultures and identities, book of papers form conference, Le Havre, France, 2014.
[14] J, Kookswijik, “Granting personality to a Virtual identity,” International journal of Human and Social Science 3:8. 2008.
[15] T, Hooley, J, Wellens, J, Marriott, What is online research, Using the internet for social science research, London: Boomsbury Academy, 2012
[16] R, Kraut, et al., “Internet paradox. A social technology that reduces social involvement and psychological well-being?”The American psychologist, 1998 Sep;53(9):1017-31.
[17] G, Dixon, “Instant validation” 2008. [Online]. Available: URL: http://repositories.lib.uteaxas.edu/bitstream/handle/2152/4014/txuoclc-229901653.pdf?sequence=2
[18] Z, Golubovic, Ja I drugi: antropoloska istrazivanja individualnog i kolektivnog identiteta. Republika,1999.
[19] [Online]. Available: http://www.yurope.com/zines/republika/arhiva/99/jaidrugi/