Using group support systems to facilitate the research process

Group support systems (GSS) and their effects on group processes and outcomes have been an object of intense study over the past ten years (1982-92). The purpose of the authors is to take a different perspective with respect to GSS research. Rather than discussing research about GSS, they discuss the capabilities of GSS tools to support the process of doing research. A model of the steps involved in the research process is discussed and specific suggestions for the application of GSS tools are mapped to these research steps. GSS can provide a variety of benefits to researchers, including basic meeting support for multiple researchers in developing elements of the research project, electronically recording data from subjects, performing data analysis, and integrating information and data across the entire research process