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!
Zoom Link for the Methods Chat
Upcoming Methods Chats
The Bayesian Way: Updating Imprecise Knowledge with New Data
June, 3rd 2024 (1-2pm CEST)
Discussant: Robert Threlfall
Description:
Frequentist inferential statistics assumes a setting with infinite, repeatable, independent and identically distributed (IID) sampling from the data-generating process. It applies to scenarios that can, in theory, be repeated infinitely, such as repeatedly rolling fair dice. Each roll is independent, and each roll has the same distribution of values.
Frequentist methods work well in many real-world situations, such as repeated sampling from a well-defined population (sampling frame) or testing products from a stable manufacturing process. However, these frequentist assumptions can be too restrictive in many cases and may not be realistic.
Bayesian inference, in contrast, doesn’t require this presumption of repeatability. It allows for inference based on data from a single, non-repeatable data-generating process.
In Bayesian statistics, we start with prior distributions for our model parameters, reflecting our prior beliefs. Since we don't know the exact values of these parameters, each has its own distribution of probable values. For instance, if our data is modeled by a normal distribution, but we don’t know the exact mean of this normal distribution, then this mean will have its own distribution. Using Bayes' theorem, these prior distributions are updated using the new data.
The updated distributions of our model parameters are our posterior distributions. These posterior distributions reflect our improved knowledge. With these posterior distributions of model parameters statistical inferences can be made without requiring the setting of IID and repeatability.
Photovoice methodology in researching equal educational opportunities
Date to be announced
Discussant: Katrien Hermans (University Hasselt, Belgium)
Past Methods Chats
Panel Discussion: Career Opportunities on Research Methods Inside and Outside Academia
February, 4th 2025, 1pm - 2pm (CET)
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) are experienced researchers inside and outside academia and discussed strategies and career opportunities in order to enrich our career planning with valuable perspectives and experiences.
Noticing in Action: Using Video Vignettes and Qualitative Content Analysis to Explore Pre-Service Teachers‘ Competence Development
December 10th 2024, 1pm-2pm (CET)
Discussant: Dr. Denis Weger (University of Vienna, Austria; denis.weger@univie.ac.at)
Tackling Challenges in Education with Educational Design Research
May 14th 2024, 1pm - 2pm
Discussant: Dr. Denis Weger (University of Vienna; denis.weger@univie.ac.at)
Joint Poetic Transcription: Discussions about the Art and Method
April 23rd 2024, 1pm-2pm
Discussant: Felipe Sanchez Burgos (Lancaster University, UK; fsanchezb@gmail.com)
Measuring and Triangulating Implicit and Explicit Attitudes
February 7th 2024, 1pm-2pm
Discussant: Aldin Alijagic (University of Augsburg, Germany; aldin.alijagic@uni-a.de)
Eye-Tracking as a Process-Based Methodology to Assess Teachers’ Professional Vision
January 10th 2024, 1pm-2pm
Discussant: 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 29th 2023, 1pm-2pm
Discussant: Dr. Paulina Robalino (SILK Research Centre, Spain; paulina.e.robalino@gmail.com)
Upcoming Conferences
SIG 17 Biannual Conference 2026
... to be announced soon!
Past Conferences
SIG 4 & 17 Biannual Conference 2024
- Teme: 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