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Evaluating Complex Educational Systems with Quadratic Assignment Problem and Exponential Random Graph Model Methods

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Complex Dynamical Systems in Education

Abstract

This chapter has three objectives: (1) to describe how social network analyses (SNA) can be used to explore complexity dynamics in education; (2) to provide a primer on SNA methods; and (3) to explore statistical procedures for hypothesis testing with SNA. SNA has experienced increasing popularity in recent years, but resources available to researchers wanting to learn about this methodology are sparse. That which is available typically fails to link SNA to complexity theory, although this would seem an obvious context. This chapter briefly describes major principles of complexity theory and how network analyses are useful for exploring social dynamics. We then explain what SNA is, the types of analyses it performs, and its various uses. This section delves into issues such as designing SNA analyses, data collection procedures, and converting non-matrix data for use in SNA. Lastly, the chapter describes statistical procedures for analyzing network data. In particular, we explain how to conduct multiple regression quadratic assignment procedures and p* to test hypotheses about network dynamics. Issues of using network coefficients with traditional, variable-based statistics are discussed. Examples of applicable research questions and research studies are provided to help readers formulate questions and research designs.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA

    Russ Marion

  2. Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, North Carolina, USA

    Craig Schreiber

Authors
  1. Russ Marion
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  2. Craig Schreiber
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Russ Marion .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York, USA

    Matthijs Koopmans

  2. Department of Philosophy and Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Dimitrios Stamovlasis

Appendix: Sample Survey for Collecting Network Data—Structured for use in ORA

Appendix: Sample Survey for Collecting Network Data—Structured for use in ORA

What is your name? (this is very important; your name will be deleted as soon as the data is formatted and before analysis).

[DROPDOWN LIST WORKS WELL]

  1. 1.

    From the following list, identify the people with whom you regularly talk about work-related issues (choose all that apply).

    [LIST ALL PROFESSIONALS BOUNDED BY THE RESEARCH NETWORK; this question, with the drop-down list above, enables construction of an agent-by-agent matrix]

  2. 2.

    Which of the following tasks do you perform on a regular basis at this school (Choose all that apply)? This data can be used to create an agent-by-task matrix.

    Teach pre-k

    Teach Gr 4

    Teach Special Ed

    Teach Art

    Administration

    Teach k

    Teach Gr5

    Teach remedial lessons

    Coordinate Title I Activities

    Other support services

    Teach Gr1

    Teach Art

    Teach computers

    Teach, other

    Financial monitoring

    TeachGr2

    Teach PE

    Teach music

    Counseling/Psychology

    		 

    Teach Gr3

    		    
  3. 3.

    Which of the following knowledge would someone most need to perform your tasks at this school (choose all that apply)? Data for an agent-by-knowledge matrix.

    Budgeting

    Finding resources

    Differentiating instruction

    Music

    Using technology

    Community partnerships

    Subject area content

    Child growth/development

    Organizational management

    Clerical

    Student testing

    Subject area content standards

    Motivating students

    Using data to assess learning

    Nursing

    Writing IEPs

    Developing curriculum

    Classroom management

    Standardized test statistics

    Psychology

    Implementing IEPs

    Pedagogy/teaching styles

    Recreation/physical development

    School rules- policies- procedures

    Using technology

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Marion, R., Schreiber, C. (2016). Evaluating Complex Educational Systems with Quadratic Assignment Problem and Exponential Random Graph Model Methods. In: Koopmans, M., Stamovlasis, D. (eds) Complex Dynamical Systems in Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27577-2_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27577-2_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-27575-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-27577-2

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