Identifying the Indicators Attracting Users to Online Question and Answer Discussion Forums
- 1 March 2012
- journal article
- Published by Scientific Journal Publishers Ltd in Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal
- Vol. 40 (2) , 283-292
- https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2012.40.2.283
Abstract
In this study we explored the indicators that attract users to engage in online question and answer (Q&A) discussion forums. Our strategy of recruiting users as a source of information to generate user-centered indicators was a new approach. We conducted in-depth interviews with 41 users to gain a perspective on 2 popular online Q&A discussion forums. To establish a theoretical framework, we employed the personal, environmental, and behavioral components proposed by Bandura (1986). Our findings revealed that 15 indicators are associated with the popularity of online Q&A discussion forums. The indicators identified in this study could be used in future research to guide users in the selection of appropriate online Q&A forums.Keywords
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