This update is about how to apply content analysis to analyze a discussion board of a deaf virtual community: alldeaf.com. A virtual community is the connection between members which is created, maintained, and developed via computers that are connected to networks (Granit & Nathan, 2000). Or groups of people with shared interests who conduct regular, organized interactions online, by means of a common location or mechanism (Ridings, Gefen, & Arinze, 2002). D/deaf and hard of hearing populations particularly, rely more on communication through Internet or online forum. AllDeaf. com is one of the largest virtual community for D/deaf and hard of hearing people. And cochlear implant & hearing aid is one of hottest topic on that forum.
Three research questions are posed for this study:
1. What are the main subjects people are talking about cochlear implant and hearing aids?
2. Does the forum include behaviors that express social support or beyond social support?
3. How Deaf cultural conflict involves into online discussions?
Data for six months will be collected for analysis. Research data were processed by means of content analysis: The messages posted on the forum will be assigned to thematic content categories. A code book needs to be conducted before the formal procedure of content analysis.
