Utilizing Visualizations of Complex Educational Phenomena as a Way to Justify Data Sources and Sampling

Session Type: Workshop

Abstract

Research designs of complex educational systems require careful consideration of the inherent nested structures and dynamic movements of stakeholders with and across groups. Specifically, understanding the difference between complicated and complex adaptive systems (CAS) provide a way to conceptualize what makes an educational system complex and how to identify emergent properties which only manifest at group levels of interactions. This is especially important when justifying data sources and sampling plans. This workshop provides practical guidance and specific examples of how to use visualizations of educational CAS to identify appropriate individual and group data sources that capture emergent properties and trajectories. Participants will then begin to develop their own visualizations and use these to appropriately identify data sources and sampling plans.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Complexity Theories in Education

Chair

• Cheryl-Anne Nadine Poth, University of Alberta

Papers

• Overview of Complex Educational Phenomena and Challenges of Visualizations - Emma P. Bullock, Sam Houston State University

• Operationalizing Visualizations With Examples - Kelly A. McKie, University of Ottawa

• Utilizing Visualizations of Complex Educational Phenomena to Identify Appropriate Data - Robin Keturah Anderson, North Carolina State University