Books published by VDM Verlag

This book builds the framework for scientific research with in-depth analyses of major scientific theories. It carries paradigm unification from conceptualization in the first two chapters to realism in the in depth analysis. Data for each study include: the researchers method of analysis, and selection of paradigm(s), comparisons, contrasts, and a summary that follows with perspectives of normal science and naturalistic inquiry. It provides a structure for in-depth comparisons and contrasts of major paradigms-positivism, post-positivism, critical theory, and constructivism.

Social Networking Sites (SNS) have emerged as popular online platforms for people to make "Friends" online, by not only mapping one''s offline connections online but also creating connections with new people based on similarity of interest. Simultaneously, globalization has led to increasing migration resulting in the creation of the diaspora, who find themselves away from the familiar spaces and people of their homeland and are encouraged to look for new ways to create communities. In this context, the presence of numerous diasporic groups on social media platforms like Orkut and Facebook indicate their growing popularity with the diaspora. This book offers a virtual ethnography of the Indians in London (IIL) community on Orkut, exploring the significance of such online communities for diasporic individuals and examines their online practices. Using qualitative methods, the book examines if these online congregations of diasporic Indians can indeed be correctly understood as "communities" and if SNS emerge as an alternative platform for diasporic members to connect with others who share similar circumstances and aspirations.