Kazuya Sakai Graduate Student Dept. of CSSE, Auburn University Ch 8.6 Using Theoretical Framework

Theoretical frameworks for qualitative analysis Basing data analysis around theoretical frameworks provides further insight Frameworks Grounded Theory Distributed Cognition Activity Theory

Grounded Theory Aims to develop theory from systematic analysis of data Is based on categorization approach, called “coding” There are three level of coding Open coding Axial coding Selective coding

Open Coding Open coding is to identify categories

Axial Coding Axial coding is to flash out and link to subcategories 1. Major categories are hierarchically related to subcategories

Axial Coding (Cont.) 2. For each category, a researcher creates a description, called “memo”, to integrate as many of the categories and subcategories as possible

Selective coding Selective coding is to form theoretical scheme One category is chosen to be the core category, and relating all other category to that category

Distributed Cognition The people, environment, and artifacts are regarded as one cognitive system Used for analyzing collaborative work Focuses on information propagation and transformation

Example of Distributed Cognition “Employee verification” at Call Centers

Activity Theory Explains human behavior in terms of our practical activity with the world Provides a framework that focuses analysis around the concept of an ‘activity’ and helps to identify tensions between the different elements of the system Two key models: one outlines what constitutes an ‘activity’; one models the mediating role of artifacts

Individual Model Activity can be found in motivations e.g., completing software project Action are performed to accomplish goals e.g., programming a module Action are made up of operations e.g., using operating command

Individual Model (Cont.) Activity can be action, and action can be operation e.g., a child learns alphabet A child learns how to control a pen A child controls a pen to spell words A student writes a book report

Engestrom’s activity system model

In Class Exercise 1. What is Grounded Theory 2. What is Distribution Cognition 3. What is Activity Theory