Carla Quesada Pallarès
Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain
SIG Coordinator
Coordinators
Mission Statement
Research methods are at the core of any empirical study. Learning researchers have at their disposal a rich repertoire of different qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method designs that correspond with different underlying methodological and epistemological paradigms. These methods are associated with various units of analysis on individual and collective levels.
The aim of the SIG is to offer a forum and platform for all those who wish to engage in discussions, dialogues, reflections, and joint collaborations on methods in learning research. In doing so, the SIG is open for all methods, methodologies, and epistemologies that address the processes, practices, and outcomes of human learning. Some key questions are:
- How does learning theory inform the use and development of methods?
- What are the affordances of different epistemologies? What are their consequences for units of analysis, re-constructions, and operationalizations to study how humans learn?
- (How) Should we integrate, combine, and mix methods in learning research? What are the potential pitfalls and benefits?
- Which new and innovative methods and approaches emerge in the field? How do they inform the study of learning and instruction?
- How can we ensure robustness and rigor when applying methods in learning research?
- How can (new) scholars be educated and trained about methods in learning research?
EARLI Methods Chat
EARLI Methods Chats are low-key meetings in which EARLI members gather to talk about their experiences, ideas, questions... regarding a specific methodological topic. They are designed for both junior and senior researchers, for beginners, experts, and anyone in between. The idea is that we can all learn from each other. Whoever you are, please join us if you want to chat about methods and meet like-minded peers!
Teams-Link to the Methods Chat
Upcoming Methods Chats
Designing and Implementing Delphi Studies: Methodological Insights
May 6, 2026, 1:30–2:30 pm (CEST)
Speaker: Dr. Olga Ioannidou, University College Dublin
Info: The Delphi methodology is a structured, iterative approach used to elicit and refine expert judgment through a series of questionnaire rounds, with controlled feedback between each round. It is particularly useful for exploring complex and future-oriented issues, enabling the gradual formation of informed consensus across geographically and professionally diverse participants. This presentation focuses on the methodological design of a Delphi study conducted within the FEDORA project to engage policymakers across Europe on future-oriented skills. It discusses key design decisions, including expert panel selection, round structuring, and instrument development, as well as approaches to data analysis and consensus measurement. The session also addresses key advantages, such as anonymity, iterative refinement, and inclusivity, alongside common pitfalls, including participant attrition, challenges in defining consensus, and the risk of over-simplifying divergent perspectives in policy-oriented research contexts.
Past Methods Chats
Low Hanging Fruits to Increase the Reproducibility of Your Research
March 9, 2026, 1:00–2:00 pm
Speaker: Jürgen Schneider, DIPF Frankfurt am Main, Germany
From classroom to cohort: Practical lessons learned from longitudinal fieldwork with primary school children
February 19, 2026, 1:00–2:00 pm
Speaker: Hannah Stynes, Researcher, University College Dublin
Fostering Student Voice, Agency and Engagement in Educational Research? - Exploring Photovoice Methodology Use with Youth in Alternative Education Settings
January 28, 2026, 1:00–2:00 pm
Speaker: Sara Lannin, PhD Candidate, University College Dublin
Panel Discussion: Career Opportunities on Research Methods Inside and Outside Academia
February 4, 2025, 1:00–2:00 pm (CET)
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Judith Schoonenboom (Professor for Empirical Pedagogy; University of Vienna; judith.schoonenboom@univie.ac.at) and Dr. Paulina Robalino (Independent Consultant and Speaker on Employee Experience & Data Analytics; paulina.e.robalino@gmail.com)
The Bayesian Way: Updating Imprecise Knowledge with New Data
June 3, 2024, 1:00–2:00 pm (CEST)
Speaker: Robert Threlfall (rthrelfall@secure-systems.org). See Robert's slides here.
Noticing in Action: Using Video Vignettes and Qualitative Content Analysis to Explore Pre-Service Teachers‘ Competence Development
December 10, 2024, 1:00–2:00 pm (CET)
Speaker: Dr. Denis Weger (University of Vienna, Austria; denis.weger@univie.ac.at)
Tackling Challenges in Education with Educational Design Research
May 14, 2024, 1:00–2:00 pm
Speaker: Dr. Denis Weger (University of Vienna; denis.weger@univie.ac.at)
Joint Poetic Transcription: Discussions about the Art and Method
April 23, 2024, 1:00–2:00 pm
Speaker: Felipe Sanchez Burgos (Lancaster University, UK; fsanchezb@gmail.com)
Measuring and Triangulating Implicit and Explicit Attitudes
February 7, 2024, 1:00–2:00 pm
Speaker: Aldin Alijagic (University of Augsburg, Germany; aldin.alijagic@uni-a.de)
Eye-Tracking as a Process-Based Methodology to Assess Teachers’ Professional Vision
January 10, 2024, 1:00–2:00 pm
Speaker: Dr. Ann-Sophie Grub (Saarland University, Germany; annsophie.grub@uni-saarland.de)
Connecting the Dots: The Power of Network Analysis in Conjunction with SEM and CFA
November 29, 2023, 1:00–2:00 pm
Speaker: Dr. Paulina Robalino (SILK Research Centre, Spain; paulina.e.robalino@gmail.com)
Upcoming Conferences
SIG 17 Biannual Conference 2028
The EARLI SIG 10, SIG 17, SIG 21 and SIG 25 are organising a joint conference!
Date: Spring, 2028
Location: University College Dublin
Past Conferences
SIG 17 Biannual Conference 2026
- The EARLI SIG 10, SIG 17, SIG 21 and SIG 25 are organising a joint conference!
- Theme: Meaningful Metamorphoses: Navigating Learning and Instruction in/ for Times of Change
- Date: March 25-27, 2026
- Place: University of Augsburg, Germany
- Conference Website
SIG 4 & 17 Biannual Conference 2024
- Theme: Navigating the Changing Landscape: Embracing Innovation and Evidence in Higher Education
- Date: 25th - 27th of September, 2024
- Place: Utrecht, Netherlands
- Conference Website
SIG 17 Biennial Conference 2020 (CANCELLED)
- Theme: Tidying the toolbox: trials, blunders, and challenges overcome in research on learning and education
- Date: 9th - 10th of September, 2020
- Place: Vienna, Austria
SIG 17 & 25 Biennial Conference 2018
- Theme: Dialogue between ontology and epistemology - New perspectives on theory and methodology in research on learning and education
- Date: 27th - 28th of August, 2018
- Place: Cambridge University, United Kingdom