EFG - 06

Both mixed methods (MM) and social network analysis (SNA) are important trends in research about learning and instruction. Combining both in what we call mixed methods social network analysis (MMSNA) holds the promise of being exceptionally well suited to answer the complex questions of the field. While MM allows investigating phenomena through different lenses, SNA recognizes the interdependencies between people that moderate learning.

In 2018, we hosted the EARLI Advanced Study Colloquium (ASC) on SNA in learning and instruction. There, we also discussed MMSNA and subsequently published an edited volume (Froehlich, Rehm, et al., 2020), held several symposia, and gave workshops and mentoring to JURE members.

However, with the ASC we could only make first steps in developing MMSNA. Many questions need further exploration (Froehlich, Van Waes, et al., 2020). In the EFG, we will explore the methodology’s potential to address new research questions focused on the enduring challenges in learning and instruction; for example in the direction of longitudinal MMSNA, the design of relational interventions, MMSNA validity requirements, or teaching about MMSNA.

All these questions require thorough planning and are risky in so far that answers might not be found within the EFG. The EFG is exploratory, as we venture into a space that has received limited attention, although important foundations across disciplines exist (Crossley, 2010; Domínguez & Hollstein, 2014). The EFG takes an innovative approach in three respects:

1. We take a modern approach to scientific collaboration that keeps relative travel costs and ecological impact low.
2. The EFG will be multidisciplinary, exploring MMSNA in different contexts.
3. An applied research project will be implemented to test the developed methodology. This gives EARLI a tool for evidence-based mentor-mentee matching.