Navigating the Networks: Analyzing Faculty Research Collaboration and Community Dynamics in Doctoral Education Through Social Network Analysis

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Computer Applications for Learner Development in Diverse Contexts (Table 5)

Abstract

This study explores faculty research communities within a doctoral program across three departments to address disparities in collaboration and facilitation. Integrating the Community of Practices and Relational Expertise frameworks, the research uses Social Network Analysis to analyze faculty names and publications. The community comprises 22 networks with 40 intra-program faculty. The community exhibits a loosely connected structure, with limited inter-group interconnectivity. Top two interconnective groups align with three departments, highlighting the importance of intra-department collaboration. Structural holes in cross-disciplinary collaboration are identified. The study emphasizes the role of key facilitators in promoting collaboration. The findings offer valuable insights for enhancing scholarly impact and strengthening research communities within educational departments. Future research should explore interconnectivity between/among inter-departmental, inter-college, and inter-university.

Authors

• Hoda Harati, Towson University

• Cherng-Jyh Yen, Old Dominion University

• Katie Kochanek, Towson University

• Yingying Liu, Towson University

• Nesma Ragab Nasr, Northern Arizona University

• Jennifer M. Werner, Arizona State University

• Patricia J. Peterson, Northern Arizona University

• Chih-Hsiung Tu, Northern Arizona University