| This paper offers for consideration a proposed research project focusing on how digital images are selected and work to create the online persona of users in online social networks. The research model was designed to evaluate the users' experiences related to the use of digital images in social networking activities with a focus on, the selection of a profile image. What the user believes the profile image offers as a representation of the users' actual or hoped for persona; and how viewers', other users in the network, perceive this representation. The principal investigator (PI) utilizing observational data from subject interactions in a private online social network space (SNS), web analytic tracking software, and results from subject surveys would have analyzed the data using basic inductive research, inferential statistics, and general correlations.;This paper establishes the research questions, parameters of the study, and the preparatory process of submitting a project for IRB approval. In addition, it describes the challenges and obstacles inherent in this endeavor and offers possible resolutions and strategies to overcome these issues for future research projects. |
