Learning research in a laboratory classroom: Complementarity and commensurability in juxtaposing multiple interpretive accounts

Abstract

The utilisation of multiple theories in a single research study requires careful consideration with respect to the complementarity of the theories and the commensurability of the associated research accounts in relation to the specific setting or research site. This paper proposes that commensurability is constructed to facilitate the comparison that researchers are trying to make. The Social Unit of Learning project is conducted in a laboratory classroom facility equipped with 10 built-in cameras and up to 32 audio channels allowing structured, rigorous, fine grained investigation of the social aspects of classroom practice. The rich and detailed data generated allows parallel analyses pred..