Illinois Genetic Algorithms Laboratory

Noriko Imafuji Yasui, Xavier Llora, David E. Goldberg, Yuichi Washida and Hiroshi Tamura (2006)
TR No.: 2006025 | Download PDF | Download PS

Abstract:
In this paper, we propose some methodologies for delineating topic and discussant transitions in online collaborative
environments, more precisely, focus group discussions for product conceptualization. First, we propose KEE (Key Elements
Extraction) algorithm, an algorithm for simultaneously finding key terms and key persons in a discussion. Based on KEE
algorithm, we propose approaches for analyzing two important factors of discussions: discussion dynamics and emerging
social networks. Examining our approaches using actual network-based discussion data generated by real focus groups in a
marketing environment, we report interesting results that demonstrate how our approaches could effectively discover
knowledge in the discussions.