Assessing the methodological quality of empirical research on social media influencers

Document Type

Book Section

Publication Date

5-2020

ISBN

9781788978279

DOI

10.4337/9781788978286

Abstract

Empirical research on social media influencers provides useful insights about this new phenomenon for legal scholars, legislators and policymakers. Importantly, this research is conducted using different data collection methods and research designs. The goal of the chapter is to enhance drawing proper conclusions from this variety of empirical research as well as understanding its potential but also its limitations. We first introduce types of questions that can be relevant for legal scholars dealing with issues regarding social media influencers. In this respect, examples are provided of existing empirical research addressing some of these questions. Using the examples, we introduce basic criteria such as validity or reliability that are essential for assessing the methodological quality of empirical research. Finally, we discuss data collection methods used in empirical studies on social media influencers, pointing to their strengths and weaknesses regarding validity and reliability, but also highlighting certain ethical and technical aspects that might be crucial for methodological choices.

First Page

275

Last Page

298

Num Pages

24

Series

Elgar Law, Technology and Society series

Publisher

Edward Elgar Publishing

Editor

Catalina Goanta & Sofia Ranchordás

Book Title

The Regulation of Social Media Influencers

Link to Full Text
Buy this Book

SSRN

Share

COinS