Collaborative Research

We're writing a paper about computer supported (or technology enhanced) collaborative research (CSCR) with a local colleague. Due to this I've been going trough some literature about CSCR. I've found some really interesting descriptions of CSCR environments, but unfortunately it seems that no of these really exists yet.

One thing I find interesting in these papers is, however, the lack of definition of collaborative research. At first it might seem quite obvious concept, but if you consider it more carefully, especially going beyond your own area, it becomes more blurred. I do believe that collaborative research, or research in general, is very different on different subjects. Even (such a small thing as =) ) selected methodology affects the nature of research quite a lot.

The other interesting thing is that how CSCR differs from CSC work (CSCW) and CSC learning (CSCL) especially. Research is more or less learning, but how different is it? Here, I think, one important issue to consider is the level, or skill, of the researchers. Master level students, and beginning PhD students need more interventions from their supervisors than more mature PhD students. Then, professors and other experiences researchers won't need any outside support anymore.

And one more thing. How do we initiate collaborative research? Why do certain peolpe start to collaborate with research in mind? In my case it was the order of the professors and requirement of my grant. In other case it was the expertise of other person and again, order of a professor. It seems that usually collaborating researchers have something in common even before they start collaboration. Thus, the idea for collaboration seldom needs to be invented, because it more or less exists before the collaboration is initiated. Does this affect the process of CSCR and does this make it different from CSCL and CSCW?

I would love to hear your opinion. Especially on what do you think is collaborative research!