1 Towards a methodology for research on trust

In this paper we propose that a comprehensive understanding of online trust will not only incorporate technical solutions that increase confidence regarding the origin and veracity of information, but will also facilitate an ongoing process of justified communication across networks. In order to accomplish these goals the basic premises are that trust is essentially a social process between people and mediated by technology; that in order to understand trust a mixed quantitative/qualitative research methodology is necessary, and that the desired aim is to facilitate justified trust. 1. Socially embedded creation of inter-subjective reality Human life is characterised by the creative interaction o