The global phenomenon of electronic(e)-governance and the advanced capacity for information generation by information and communication technologies (ICTs) have contributed to the perceived problem of information overload. In participatory democracy and specifically e-democracy and e-consultation, in which a vast quantity and array of textual discourse can be generated, effective and efficient information processing is important. Effective and efficient processing will assist participants to make-sense of and remain engaged in consultations. Accordingly, tools and technologies to assist in the analysis, synthesis and dissemination of such discourse have the potential to make a salient contribution. In this article, a critique of several software packages, consisting of qualitative text analysis, natural language text mining and computer supported argument visualisation software is presented. The use of natural language text mining software with sentiment analysis features was the initial focus of this investigation. However, early in the investigation and after a software trial, natural language text mining software was considered underdeveloped with regard to the specific functionality sought. Hence, the investigation then focused primarily on the utility of computer supported argument visualisation (CSAV) and also text analysis software. For text analysis, Leximancer, Text Analyst Atlas.ti. and TextSTAT were preferred and chosen from among eleven programmes investigated. For CSAV software, a programme called Compendium was preferred and chosen from among twelve programmes investigated.
Table of Contents
1. SOFTWARE FOR E-CONSULTATION CORPUS ANALYSIS AND REPRESENTATION
1.1 ABSTRACT
1.2 E-DEMOCRACY AND E-CONSULTATION
1.3 PARTICIPATORY PLANNING
1.4 ICTS, INFORMATION OVERLOAD AND INFORMATION PROCESSING
1.5 CSAV
1.6 SOFTWARE APPLICATION
1.6.1 Text Mining Software in e-Consultation
1.6.2 Qualitative Text Analysis Software
1.6.3 Software Functionality Sought
1.7 SOFTWARE INVESTIGATED
1.7.1 Semi-Automated Text Mining Software
1.7.2 Manual Text Analysis Software
1.7.3 Text Analysis Software Preferences
1.8 SUBMISSIONS' ANALYSIS PROCESS & CSAV MAPPING
1.8.1 Manual Search Terms Used
1.9 CSAV SOFTWARE
1.9.1 CSAV Software Investigated
1.9.2 CSAV Software Preference
1.10 CONCLUSION
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this study is to identify and evaluate appropriate software tools for the analysis, synthesis, and representation of large volumes of textual discourse generated during e-consultation processes, specifically within the context of participatory regional planning. The research aims to address the challenges of information overload by providing a critique of various qualitative text analysis, natural language text mining, and computer-supported argument visualization (CSAV) packages, ultimately recommending tools that facilitate effective sense-making for both governments and public stakeholders.
- Critique of qualitative text analysis and natural language text mining software.
- Evaluation of Computer Supported Argument Visualisation (CSAV) for democratic discourse.
- Application of software to the South-East Queensland (SEQ) Regional Plan consultation.
- Methods for managing and visualizing complex information in participatory democracy.
- Development of criteria for evaluating software functionality in consultative forums.
Excerpt from the Book
Text Mining Software in e-Consultation
An obvious advantage of e-Consultation over face-to-face consultation is that the discussion threads are stored and available for qualitative and quantitative analysis (Whyte and Macintosh 2003). Furthermore, consultation forum text of participant discourse is in the participant’s own words as opposed to being paraphrased by a facilitator, which may contribute to a more trustworthy process (Whyte and Macintosh 2003). Thread analysis is a useful feature of an electronic-forum data analysis process, which is used for the analysis of e-consultations in urban planning (Jankowski et al. 1997). Thread analysis can provide both quantitative and qualitative data to aid in assessing, which topics, issues or questions stimulated participants and the extent that particular topics attracted in-depth discussion. The assessment measures can include, quantity of comments posted per thread, the average and total word count per thread and thread depth (i.e. amount of levels of reply, and length of time between first and last contribution) (Whyte and Macintosh 2003).
Summary of Chapters
ABSTRACT: Provides an overview of the challenges of information overload in e-democracy and outlines the investigation into various text analysis and CSAV software tools.
E-DEMOCRACY AND E-CONSULTATION: Defines the core concepts of e-democracy and e-consultation, highlighting their role in modern governance and participatory policy-making.
PARTICIPATORY PLANNING: Discusses the difficulties of capturing and synthesizing diverse perspectives in regional planning consultations.
ICTS, INFORMATION OVERLOAD AND INFORMATION PROCESSING: Explores how information and communication technologies contribute to information overload and the subsequent need for efficient analytical tools.
CSAV: Introduces computer supported argument visualisation as a medium to establish common ground and improve transparency in complex decision-making processes.
SOFTWARE APPLICATION: Details the functional requirements for software intended to assist in the analysis, sorting, and synthesis of public consultation discourse.
SOFTWARE INVESTIGATED: Presents a comprehensive review and evaluation of various text mining and qualitative analysis software packages trialled during the project.
SUBMISSIONS’ ANALYSIS PROCESS & CSAV MAPPING: Describes the methodology used to store, analyze, and map the submissions from the SEQ Regional Plan Consultation.
CSAV SOFTWARE: Evaluates specific computer supported argument visualisation tools to determine the best fit for project requirements.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes the study's findings, concluding that a combination of text analysis and CSAV software like Compendium effectively supports the demands of e-consultation discourse.
Keywords
Computer Supported Argument Visualisation, Knowledge Cartography, Qualitative Text Analysis, e-Democracy, e-Consultation, Natural Language Text Mining, Wicked Problems, Participatory Planning, Information Overload, Sentiment Analysis, Discourse Analysis, Compendium, Leximancer, TextAnalyst, SEQ Regional Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on evaluating software tools to assist in the analysis, management, and visual representation of vast amounts of textual discourse generated during public e-consultation processes.
What are the primary themes addressed in the study?
The primary themes include e-democracy, information overload in participatory planning, the utility of natural language processing, and the application of computer supported argument visualisation (CSAV).
What is the ultimate goal of the investigation?
The goal is to determine which software packages best enable governments and stakeholders to make sense of, and engage with, diverse public perspectives in consultative forums.
Which methodology is employed for software evaluation?
The study utilizes a comparative analysis approach, trialling several software packages against specific functional criteria to assess their utility for text mining and argument visualisation.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers the theoretical background of e-consultation, a detailed critique of text analysis and mining software, the practical application of these tools to the SEQ Regional Plan dataset, and a deep dive into CSAV software features.
What key terms define this work?
Key terms include Computer Supported Argument Visualisation, e-Consultation, Natural Language Text Mining, and Knowledge Cartography, reflecting the intersection of technology and democratic participation.
Why was the Compendium software specifically selected?
Compendium was selected because it provided the best fit for the project's criteria, offering free access, a vibrant support community, and an effective IBIS-based ontology for mapping complex urban planning discourse.
How does the research handle the issue of 'Wicked Problems'?
The study utilizes Compendium, which is based on the IBIS (Issue Based Information System) ontology, specifically designed to assist in managing the complexity and uncertainty inherent in wicked planning problems.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dr. Ricky Ohl (Autor:in), 2011, Software for e-Consultation Corpus Analysis and Representation, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/179025
