On the potential for detecting scientific issues and controversies on Twitter : A method for investigation conversations mentioning research

In this study, we demonstrate how to collect Twitter conversations emanating from or referring to scientific papers. We propose segmenting the conversational threads into smaller segments and then compare them using information retrieval techniques, in order to find differences and similarities between discussions and within discussions. While the method still can be improved, the study shows that it is possible to collect larger conversations about research on Twitter, and that these are suitable for various automated methods. We do however identify a need to analyse these with qualitative methods as well.Data4Impac