Beyond the Buzz: Exploring the Impact of Trending Terminologies on Informatics Research
(2024) SYSK16 20241Department of Informatics
- Abstract
- The bachelor’s thesis explores the impact of buzzwords in informatics research; examining how these terms shape research agendas, methodologies, and community identities through the lens of Social Identity Theory. The study employs a qualitative research approach where data were collected through interviews from purposefully selected academics of the informatics field, and were thematically analyzed concluding to the dual role of buzzwords: they facilitate communication but can also drive superficial or misaligned research efforts. The findings indicate that buzzwords significantly direct research focus, often overshadowing more critical scientific inquiries and narrowing methodological diversity. They also contribute to the formation of... (More)
- The bachelor’s thesis explores the impact of buzzwords in informatics research; examining how these terms shape research agendas, methodologies, and community identities through the lens of Social Identity Theory. The study employs a qualitative research approach where data were collected through interviews from purposefully selected academics of the informatics field, and were thematically analyzed concluding to the dual role of buzzwords: they facilitate communication but can also drive superficial or misaligned research efforts. The findings indicate that buzzwords significantly direct research focus, often overshadowing more critical scientific inquiries and narrowing methodological diversity. They also contribute to the formation of community identities, influencing researchers' methodological choices and alignment with specific technological trends. This dynamic can limit foundational research and innovation in favor of trending topics. The bachelor’s thesis suggests that while buzzwords are essential for disseminating new ideas, their influence requires careful management to ensure they enhance rather than compromise research quality and relevance. It recommends that researchers critically assess the impact of buzzwords in their work and encourages further investigation into the long-term effects of terminological trends across the discipline. Thus, the bachelor’s thesis generates theoretical and practical contributions for the informatics research field. (Less)
- Abstract (Swedish)
- Kandidatuppsatsen undersöker effekterna av buzzwords inom informatikforskning; den granskar hur dessa termer formar forskningsagendor, metoder och gemenskapsidentiteter genom Social Identity Theory. Studien använder en kvalitativ forskningsansats där data samlades in genom intervjuer från medvetet utvalda akademiker inom informatikområdet och analyserades tematiskt, vilket ledde till slutsatsen om buzzwordens dubbla roll: de underlättar kommunikation men kan också driva ytliga eller felriktade forskningsinsatser. Resultaten visar att buzzwords avsevärt styr forskningsfokus, ofta överskuggar mer kritiska vetenskapliga undersökningar och begränsar metodologisk mångfald. De bidrar även till att forma gemenskapsidentiteter, påverkar forskares... (More)
- Kandidatuppsatsen undersöker effekterna av buzzwords inom informatikforskning; den granskar hur dessa termer formar forskningsagendor, metoder och gemenskapsidentiteter genom Social Identity Theory. Studien använder en kvalitativ forskningsansats där data samlades in genom intervjuer från medvetet utvalda akademiker inom informatikområdet och analyserades tematiskt, vilket ledde till slutsatsen om buzzwordens dubbla roll: de underlättar kommunikation men kan också driva ytliga eller felriktade forskningsinsatser. Resultaten visar att buzzwords avsevärt styr forskningsfokus, ofta överskuggar mer kritiska vetenskapliga undersökningar och begränsar metodologisk mångfald. De bidrar även till att forma gemenskapsidentiteter, påverkar forskares metodval och samstämmighet med specifika teknologiska trender. Denna dynamik kan begränsa grundläggande forskning och innovation till förmån för aktuella ämnen. Kandidatuppsatsen föreslår att även om buzzwords är nödvändiga för att sprida nya idéer, krävs noggrann hantering för att säkerställa att de förbättrar snarare än försämrar forskningens kvalitet och relevans. Den rekommenderar att forskare kritiskt bedömer effekten av buzzwords i sitt arbete och uppmuntrar till vidare undersökning av terminologiska trender över lång tid inom disciplinen. Således bidrar kandidatuppsatsen med teoretiska och praktiska insikter för forskningsfältet inom informatik. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9163577
- author
- Åkesson, Sten-Åke LU and Sturesson, Viktor
- supervisor
- organization
- alternative title
- Bortom Hypen: Utforskande av Påverkan av Trendiga Termer på Informatikforskning
- course
- SYSK16 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- M2 - Bachelor Degree
- subject
- keywords
- Informatics Research, Buzzwords, Trend Analysis, Social Identity Theory, Research Agendas
- language
- English
- id
- 9163577
- date added to LUP
- 2024-06-14 09:44:36
- date last changed
- 2024-06-14 09:44:36
@misc{9163577,
abstract = {{The bachelor’s thesis explores the impact of buzzwords in informatics research; examining how these terms shape research agendas, methodologies, and community identities through the lens of Social Identity Theory. The study employs a qualitative research approach where data were collected through interviews from purposefully selected academics of the informatics field, and were thematically analyzed concluding to the dual role of buzzwords: they facilitate communication but can also drive superficial or misaligned research efforts. The findings indicate that buzzwords significantly direct research focus, often overshadowing more critical scientific inquiries and narrowing methodological diversity. They also contribute to the formation of community identities, influencing researchers' methodological choices and alignment with specific technological trends. This dynamic can limit foundational research and innovation in favor of trending topics. The bachelor’s thesis suggests that while buzzwords are essential for disseminating new ideas, their influence requires careful management to ensure they enhance rather than compromise research quality and relevance. It recommends that researchers critically assess the impact of buzzwords in their work and encourages further investigation into the long-term effects of terminological trends across the discipline. Thus, the bachelor’s thesis generates theoretical and practical contributions for the informatics research field.}},
author = {{Åkesson, Sten-Åke and Sturesson, Viktor}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Beyond the Buzz: Exploring the Impact of Trending Terminologies on Informatics Research}},
year = {{2024}},
}