Research Methods for the Digital Humanities

This book introduces students to a range of approaches to using digital research tools and performing research about digital media. Approaching Digital Humanities as both the use of computing to understand cultural material in new ways, and as the application of theories and methods from the humanities to interpret new technologies it explores the diversity of innovative approaches into this space for advanced undergraduate and graduate students exploring this area for the first time. Each method is introduced by experts, with examples from their own work, and includes guides to help students formulate their own questions. In each chapter, researchers explain key terms and concepts associated with the methods they explain. They also investigate the ethical issues involved in their research, and help the reader understand when they might choose this method to solve their own research problems. This is followed by a step-by-step guide to procedures that are illustrated through their case study. Finally, the conclusions and discussion questions in each chapter are designed to help the reader consider the method's applicability to their own research projects, to think deeply about the research method and its implications, and to embark on further discussion about the topics raised in the chapter. This pattern allows the reader to use this volume as both a reference work and as a pedagogical tool, depending on their needs.