Identifying and analyzing multiple threads in computer-mediated and face-to-face conversations

We compared face-to-face (FTF) and computer-mediated (CMC) conversations among small groups of scientists carrying out data collection campaigns. We found multiple threads of conversation in both settings, but this was much more extensive in the CMC cases. The two kinds of conversation were very similar in content and nature of participation, but difTered in their temporal flow. The software that supported the CMC conversations allowed interactions that were quite similar in character to the F TF situations. The low incidence of thread confusions and the potential value of overhearing uset%l conversations does not seem to warrant providing technology in the CMC situation to split apart conversational threads.