Lecture

- The document discusses using the internet as an object and method of research. As an object, websites can be analyzed though they are moving targets. Other internet objects include email, discussion groups, blogs, and wikis. - As a method, internet-based research has advantages like lower costs and global reach but also disadvantages like non-universal access and inability to pick up non-verbal cues. Methods include online surveys, focus groups, and interviews. - The document provides examples of the author's own research on new religious movements like Jediism emerging from Star Wars and exploring emotional connections to avatars in virtual worlds like Second Life.