Using Mixed Methods in Studying Classroom Social Network Dynamics

Authors: Nashrawan N. Taha, Andrew M. Cox

Abstract:

In a multi-cultural learning context, where ties are weak and dynamic, combining qualitative with quantitative research methods may be more effective. Such a combination may also allow us to answer different types of question, such as about people’s perception of the network. In this study the use of observation, interviews and photos were explored as ways of enhancing data from social network questionnaires. Integrating all of these methods was found to enhance the quality of data collected and its accuracy, also providing a richer story of the network dynamics and the factors that shaped these changes over time.

Keywords: Mixed Methods, Social Network Analysis, multi-cultural learning, Social Network Dynamics.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1100404

References:

[1] S. Wasserman & K. Faust. Social network analysis: Methods and applications. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
[2] D. Knoke & S. Yang. Social Network Analysis (2nd Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2008.
[3] J. Scott. Social network analysis: A handbook. London: Sage, 2000.
[4] S. Borgatti, A. Mehra, D. Brass & G. Labianca. "Network analysis in the social sciences". Science, vol323, (5916) 2009, pp. 892-895.
[5] vanDuijn, M. A. J., &Vermunt, J. K. (2006). What Is Special About Social Network Analysis? Methodology: European Journal of Research Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences, 2(1), 2-6.
[6] Killworth, P. D., & Bernard, H. R. (1976). Informant accuracy in social network data. Human Organization, 35(3), 269-286.
[7] Marsden, P. V. (1990). Network data and measurement. Annual review of sociology, 16(1), 435-463.
[8] Crossley, N. (2010). "The Social World of the Network: Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Elements in Social Network Analysis". Sociologica, 1.
[9] Daradoumis, T., Martínez-Monés, A., &Xhafa, F. (2006). A layered framework for evaluating on-line collaborative learning interactions. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 64(7), 622-635.
[10] deLaat, M., Lally, V., Lipponen, L., & Simons, R. J. (2007). Investigating patterns of interaction in networked learning and computer-supported collaborative learning: A role for Social Network Analysis. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 2(1), 87-103.
[11] Edwards, G. (2010). "Mixed-method approaches to social network analysis". National Centre for Research Methods, Methods Review Paper.
[12] Hollstein, B. (2011). "Qualitative Approaches". In: Carrington, P. & Scott, J. (eds.), Handbook of social network analysis. London: Sage
[13] Martinez, A., Dimitriadis, Y., Rubia, B., Gómez, E., & De la Fuente, P. (2003). Combining qualitative evaluation and social network analysis for the study of classroom social interactions. Computers & Education, 41(4), 353-368.
[14] Martínez, A., Dimitriadis, Y., Gómez-Sánchez, E., Rubia-Avi, B., Jorrín-Abellán, I., & Marcos, J. A. (2006). Studying participation networks in collaboration using mixed methods. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 1(3), 383-408.
[15] Martinez, A., Dimitriadis, Y., Tardajos, J., Velloso, O., &Villacorta, M. B. (2003). Integration of SNA in a mixed evaluation approach for the study of participatory aspects of collaboration.
[16] Sack, W., Détienne, F., Ducheneaut, N., Burkhardt, J. M., Mahendran, D., & Barcellini, F. (2006). A methodological framework for sociocognitive analyses of collaborative design of open source software. Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), 15(2), 229-250.
[17] Suh, H., Kang, M., Moon, K. & Jang, H. (2005). "Identifying peer interaction patterns and related variables in community-based learning". Presented at Computer Support for Collaborative Learning, pp. 657- 661. Taipei, Taiwan.
[18] Borgatti, S., Everett, M. & Freeman, L. (2002). Ucinet 6 for windows: Software for social network analysis. Harvard: Analytic Technologies.
[19] Garton, L., Haythornthwaite, C. & Wellman, B. (1997). "Studying online social networks". Journal of Computer Mediated Communication, 3 (1).
[20] Jack, S. (2010). "Approaches to studying networks: Implications and outcomes". Journal of Business Venturing, 25 (1), 120-137.
[21] Dawson, S. (2008). A study of the relationship between student social networks and sense of community. Educational Technology and Society, 11(3), 224–238.
[22] Erlin, B. Y., Yusof, N., & Rahman, A. A. (2008). Integrating Content Analysis and Social Network Analysis for analyzing Asynchronous Discussion Forum. International Symposium on the Information Technology ITSim 26-28 Aug. 2008, 1-8.
[23] Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach. London: Sage Publications.
[24] Bryman, A. (2008). Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
[25] Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation method. London: Sage Publications.
[26] Neuman, L (2006). Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approach. London: Pearson Allyn& Bacon.
[27] Taha, Nashrawan, and Andrew Cox. "International students' networks: a case study in a UK university." Studies in Higher Education ahead-ofprint (2014): 1-17.
[28] Taha, Nashrawan, and Andrew M. Cox. "Social network dynamics in international students' learning." In Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Networked Learning 2010, pp. 396-403. Sheffield, 2010.
[29] Creswell, J.W. & Tashakkori, A. (2007). "Editorial: Differing Perspectives on Mixed Methods Research". Journal of mixed methods research, 1 (4), 303- 308.
[30] Teddlie, C. & Tashakkori, A. (2009). Foundations of Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
[31] Haythornthwaite, C. (2008). Learning relations and networks in webbased communities. International Journal of Web Based Communities, 4 (2), 140-158.
[32] Kumar, R. (2005). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. London: Sage Publication.
[33] Silverman, D. (2006). Interpreting qualitative data: Methods for analyzing talk, text and interaction. Thousands Oak: Sage Publications.
[34] Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2008). Interviews: An introduction to qualitative research interviewing. London: Sage Publications.
[35] Fereday, J. and Muir-Cochrane, E. (2006). Demonstrating rigor using thematic analysis: A hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and theme development. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 5(1). Retrieved June 29, 2009, from http://www.ualberta.ca/~iiqm/backissues/5_1/PDF/FEREDAY.PDF.
[36] Braun, V. and V. Clarke (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(1), 77–101.
[37] Bogdan, R. &Biklen, S. (2007). Qualitative Research for Education: An Introduction to Theory and Methods (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
[38] Strauss, A.L. & Corbin, J.M. (1998). Basics of qualitative research (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
[39] Miles, M.B. &Huberman, A.M. (1994). Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
[40] Boyatzis, R.E. (1998). Transforming qualitative information: Thematic analysis and code development. Sage.
[41] Bryman, Alan, and Melissa Hardy, eds. Handbook of data analysis. Sage, 2004.
[42] Otte, E. & Rousseau, R. (2002). "Social network analysis: a powerful strategy, also for the information sciences". Journal of Information Science, 28 (6), 441- 453.
[43] Schultz-Jones, B. (2009). "Examining information behavior through social networks: an interdisciplinary review". Journal of Documentation, 65 (4), 592-631
[44] Emirbayer, M. & Goodwin, J. (1994). "Network analysis, culture, and the problem of agency". The American Journal of Sociology, 99 (6), 1411-1454.