Macroscopic Study of the Social Networks Formed in Web-based Discussion Forums

Abstract

It is proposed and outlined in this paper on how to investigate the macroscopic features of those large-size social networks formed in web-based discussion forums. Some preliminary results on the pattern of the distribution of replies for individual topics, views for individual topics and co-discussants of individual participants will be presented. The present results will be compared with those found in other areas of large-size social networks and the significances and future work on those macroscopic properties of social networks for better understanding of computer-supported collaborative learning will be discussed.