In a short discussion between myself and moderator ff524 about a deleted question. Moderator ff524 mentioned,
There are other sites that are not as strict about moderation - Reddit, etc. SE is deliberately different in its moderation policy, because we try to be a home for people who like answering high quality, on topic questions. But some of our users enjoy contributing to those other sites, too ;)
Emphasis mine.
I agree with Moderator ff524 on all points. But this led me to think about the effects of Anonymity on both questions and answers in Academia specifically.
In this particular case, the author of the deleted question has some experience and interaction with SE sites, specifically Mathematics SE. But purely on mathematics topics.
With the following variables on anonymity in play (not exactly rigorous, but will suffice in the meantime):
- Binary: has an equivalent real-life ID associated, or a pseudonym.
- Effect: if real-life, then words said would carry over to their IRL identity. If pseudonym, then there is a degree of buffer between the two.
- Integer: based upon a voting system reflected up on a user's contribution.
- Effect: more privileges and respect afforded to the user and can be used as a rough yardstick to measure the experience of the user to the SE model.
What is the effect of Anonymity on both the quality of questions and answers?
The various logical derivatives:
- Does real-ID mean higher-quality questions?
- Does real-ID mean higher-quality answers?
- Does pseudonyms mean higher-quality questions?
- Does pseudonyms mean higher-quality answers?
- Does real-ID mean lower-quality questions?
- Does real-ID mean lower-quality answers?
- Does pseudonyms mean lower-quality questions?
- Does pseudonyms mean lower-quality answers?
In my experience at the Workplace as well as Academia, I would presume that Anonymity has a role to play, but not to the extent that I theorize.
There are great question and answer contributions from users from both sites whether with a pseudonym or real-ID.
But in general, poor-quality questions and answers are from pseudonyms; whether due to inexperience or the buffer (between a person's actions and his/her real-life identity) offered by a pseudonym.
I could be entirely wrong after all, would someone with more expertise on the matter care to comment?