Share Paper: Data Collection and Coding in Complex Systems: Using Classic Methods in Novel Digital Learning Environments

  1. Danielle Head, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States
  2. PG Schrader, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States
  3. Michael McCreery, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States
  4. Joseph Fiorentini, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States
  5. Catherine Bacos, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States
  6. Mark Carroll, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States

Abstract: Constructs of interest within the cognitive realm are largely composed of processes that are not directly observable. Due to this, inferences about the use or nonuse of a particular cognitive process is based on what people do - their behaviors (Chung & Kerr, 2012). However, a specific behavioral act can be a manifestation of numerous underlying processes. This complex system, composed of a collection of interacting components that interfere, cooperate, or collaborate to give rise to complex behavior (Mitchell, 2009; Strogatz, 1994), poses the following challenge: know what to look for, why to look for it and how to make ...