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Dissertation Information for Lee Ratzan

NAME:
- Lee Ratzan

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- Rutgers University (USA) (1998)

ADVISORS:
- David Carr
- Lea Stewart

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- James D. Anderson
- Kathy Burnett
- Jose Perez-Carballo

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Making sense of the Internet: A metaphorical approach

Abstract: Internet use is increasing although it is a new and unfamiliar environment to many people. People use descriptive and representational metaphors in order to make sense of the Internet. Indeed, it is difficult to talk about the Internet without using metaphors. An Internet metaphor study can provide insight into how people make sense in this unfamiliar environment.

Metaphors can be considered as untrue statements that are not lies. These figures of speech conceptualize, describe and qualify the unfamiliar. The relative success of the human computer interface and by extension growth of the Internet might be attributed to the deliberate use of metaphors in the design process.

The methodology of this study produced Internet metaphors from a self-selected online participant population. The amount of dynamic data collected (N $>$ 350) exceeded by a factor of four other previously published user studies.

Empirical data suggests that: (a) The Internet appears to be perceived differently by users with different skill levels; (b) Internet metaphor families may have a gender component; (c) Common Internet metaphors may be linked to skill level; (d) Metaphysical metaphors are dominated by one class of users; (e) Conditional probabilities may have potential as assessment markers; (f) Some metaphors may be more productive than others.

This study is grounded in theory on users of information systems, human computer interaction and human communication. It is important to acquire insight into user perceptions of an information system in order to create and design more effective information systems. The way a user perceives the system can affect their ability to comprehend it, interact with it and extend its capabilities.

The results of this study can have applications to future Internet research, education and development. For example, if Internet metaphors are a marker associated with skill level, the use of metaphors could be a new assessment tool. If perceptions of online users are understood, Internet market research may be enhanced. Finally, images associated with certain Internet metaphors might affect future development of the entire computing environment.

MPACT Scores for Lee Ratzan

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:10:57

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Students under Lee Ratzan

ADVISEES:
- None

COMMITTEESHIPS:
- None