Conducting qualitative research of learning in online spaces / Hannah R. Gerber, Sandra Schamroth Abrams, Jen Scott Curwood, and Alecia Magnifico.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gerber, Hannah R., author.

Abrams, Sandra Schamroth, author.

Curwood, Jen Scott, author.

Magnifico, Alecia, author.

Contributor:

James Hosmer Penniman Book Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Web-based instruction--Research--Methodology.

Web-based instruction.

Research.

Methodology.

Physical Description:

203 pages : illustrations ; 27 cm

Place of Publication:

Thousand Oaks, California : Sage Publications, Inc., 2016.

Summary:

Qualitative researchers have grappled with how online inquiry shifts research procedures such as gaining access to spaces, communicating with participants, and obtaining informed consent. Drawing on a multimethod approach, Conducting Quality Research of Learning Online Spaces explores how to design and conduct diverse studies in online environments. The book focuses on formal and informal learning practices that occur in evolving online spaces. The text shows researchers how they can draw on a variety of theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and data sources. Examples of qualitative research in online spaces, along with guiding questions, support readers at every phase of the research process. Book jacket.

Contents:

Chapter 1 How Can Learning in Online Spaces Be Informed by Qualitative Research? 1

Introduction 1

Mediated Spaces and Online Learning 1

Making Pragmatic Choices About Methods 2

Choosing Among Qualitative Traditions 4

Qualitative Approaches 5

Case Study 5

Ethnography 6

Grounded Theory 7

Phenomenology 8

Participatory Approaches 9

Research Paradigms and Philosophical Stances in a Study's Design 10

Pragmatic Research and Remix: Considering Multimethod Approaches 13

Remix 13

Conclusion 17

Connecting to Your Work 17

Chapter 2 What Kinds of Online Spaces Exist? 19

Introduction 19

Conceptualizing Online Spaces as Field Sites 19

Defining the Field Site 21

Understanding Networked Field Sites 23

Learning in Social Networking Forums 26

Layers of Learning in Formal Learning Spaces 29

Mapping Networked Field Sites 30

Conclusion 34

Connecting to Your Work 35

Chapter 3 How Do We Conceptualize Learning in Online Spaces? 37

Introduction 37

Using Learning Theory as a Tool for Research Design 37

Complementary and Contradictory Theories of Learning 38

Theories of Learning 41

Behaviorist Theories of Learning 41

Cognitive and Sociocognitive Theories of Learning 44

Sociocultural Theories of Learning 47

Learning in Online Spaces 51

Participatory Cultures 53

Affinity Spaces 56

Connected Learning 58

Conclusion 61

Connecting to Your Work 61

Chapter 4 What Does It Mean to Be a Qualitative Researcher of Online Spaces? 65

Introduction 65

Aspects of Researching Online Meaning Making 65

Being a Qualitative Researcher of Online Spaces 68

Positioning the Researcher as a Research Tool 72

Researcher Positioning in Online Settings 74

Ethical Considerations 77

Designing Research Questions 78

Conclusion 81

Connecting to Your Work 81

Chapter 5 What Methodological Tools Are Available for Data Collection? 83

Introduction 83

Establishing Trustworthiness 84

Credibility 86

Transferability 87

Dependability 87

Confirmability 87

Trustworthiness and Analytic Openness 88

Data Sources 88

Sampling 90

Observation 91

Interviews 96

Surveys 100

Artifacts 104

Conclusion 108

Connecting to Your Work 108

Chapter 6 What Analytical Approaches Are Available for Data Analysis? 111

Introduction 111

Moving From Data Collection to Analysis 111

Considering Data Analysis in Networked Field Sites 113

Thematic Analysis 114

Grounded Theory Analysis 116

Discourse Analysis 123

Multimodal Analysis and Artifactual Analysis 128

Innovation With Methods 134

Conclusion 137

Connecting to Your Work 137

Chapter 7 What Is Ethical Research? 139

Introduction 139

Research Ethics and Policies Across Multiple Contexts 139

The Public Versus the Private Web 142

Review Boards and Research Approval 145

Do No Harm 146

Informed Consent 147

Anonymity 149

Benefits and Risk 152

Copyright, Terms of Service, End-User License Agreements, Creative Commons, and Fair Use 153

Conclusion 154

Connecting to Your Work 155

Chapter 8 How Might Research Change in New Times? 157

Introduction 157

The Complicated Nature of Studying Learning in Online Spaces 157

(Re)Imagining Research Techniques 159

Shifting Cultures, Shifting Boundaries 161

Conclusion 168

Connecting to Your Work 169.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the James Hosmer Penniman Book Fund.

ISBN:

9781483333847

1483333841

OCLC:

922156074

Publisher Number:

99968157532