Projects / Programmes
Extension of the time distance method to the problem of digital divides
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.03.00 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| S274 |
Social sciences |
Research methodology in science |
| S210 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
| S180 |
Social sciences |
Economics, econometrics, economic theory, economic systems, economic policy |
information society, time distance, S-distance, digital divide, forecasting, statistical methods, sociological processes
Researchers (7)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Time distance method (or S-distance) is increasingly used approach in the field of social sciences, since it makes feasible to understand an additional view over the complex time processes. S-distance measures time distance,i.e. distance between two points in time, when compared units reach definite level of a certain indicator. Thus in the terminology of S-distance it would be said that group A lags behind group B for example for 3 years and with this approach the lag in penetration (e.g. 35% vs. 40%) is set in a different perspective. S-distance presents a reputable theoretical novelty also in the literature worldwide and it is intuitively understandable for the users.
S-distance will be applied to the problems of digital divide, which is not related merely to comparisons of information technologies" penetration levels, but is a much more complex and sociologically significant phenomenon. Existent digital divide studies are mostly limited to analyses of simple differences, which results in oversimplified or even disputable conclusions. Therefore the basic concept of digital divide will be extended to dual, second and third divide and at the same time its essence will be distinguished from these extensions and a new integral measure will be developed.
Key research hypothesis is that simultaneous two-dimensional observation of time series - with regard to conventional time series comparisons and in view of new generic Sicherl"s approach to S-distance - leads to qualitatively different conclusions in comparison to the findings from ordinary one-dimensional comparisons.
Aim of the proposed project is application of time distance concept to the field of digital divide measurement. Consequently, a new statistical measure of differences between those digitally included and excluded will be developed (which is also an important element of Lisbon Strategy in EU). Principal research directions are:
-extension of S-distance method for the purposes of monitoring and forecasting,
-extension of S-distance method to the measurement of non-linear (transformed) processes,
-extension of S-distance method to integral measures (i.e. indexes) of digital divides.
Results will be tested on different data bases; domestic (RIS, SJM) and international (RIPE hostcount, ECM mobile) for the period of 1996-2004. Research will be mostly focused to Internet and computer use, to usage of mobile phones and to attitudes towards new technologies.
