Pearson, Erika

Telling Stories: Using scenario methodologies in Internet research


Abstract

Scenarios are stories of what might be. Even though they may seem to be more a tool of fiction writers than serious researchers, scenario analysis has great potential when asking questions of the future. In particular, scenario analysis allows researchers to look at fluid trends and multiple possible outcomes of particular decisions. By creating a group of scenarios, each representing the outcomes of certain divergent choices, researchers can also compare each possible ³outcome² against the other.

In this paper I intend to explore the characteristics of scenarios in Internet research. In particular, this paper will examine which aspects of scenario methodologies may prove useful in futures research concerning possible uses of computer mediated communication technologies (such as the Internet) in allowing people to participate in various kinds of democratic activity. This paper will also attempt to identify some of the pitfalls of using scenarios for this kind of research.