How Rationales Shape Networks: The Case of the GRAND Research Network

• In Event: 033 - Regular Session. Internet and Society

Abstract

This study aims to understand how network structures of collaborative projects are connected to collaborators’ rationales for participating. The focal point for our analysis is GRAND, a scholarly network sponsored by the Canadian government. Using mixed methods, we first outline some structural characteristics of a given collaborative project. Subsequently, we look at the correlation between work, want-to-meet, and help ties; and disciplines and geographic locations. We then identify three types of rationales for the collaborators: practicable-issues, novelty-exploration and networking. Our findings indicate that some rationales shape the structural characteristics of the collaborative project, and others have yet to be fulfilled. We argue that institutional intervention may be used to enhance disperse interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, we offer a theoretical framework that can be used to understand how scientific teams get together in the first place, and what mechanisms can be used to intervene in these processes.

Authors

• Guang Ying Mo, University of Toronto

• Barry Wellman, University of Toronto

• Zack Hayat, University of Toronto