Capturing the Complex: An Intraindividual Temporal Network Analysis of Learning Resource Regulation

Understanding a learner’s resources as a system of interacting components, the success of a learning process is determined by the effectiveness of their interactions. Theoretical assumptions and empirical findings clearly show the importance of resource availability in learning systems but do not su...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bettina Harder, Nick Naujoks-Schober, Manuel D. S. Hopp
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Education Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/15/6/728
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Summary:Understanding a learner’s resources as a system of interacting components, the success of a learning process is determined by the effectiveness of their interactions. Theoretical assumptions and empirical findings clearly show the importance of resource availability in learning systems but do not sufficiently consider the individuality or the temporal and situational aspects of resource regulation. Therefore, the current study addresses the complex interplay between learning resources (educational and learning capitals) in an individual learner (<i>N</i> = 1) by utilizing multivariate time series data of a 50-day vocabulary learning process with daily assessments of learning resource availability, performance, learning duration, and stress. We draw on methods of psychometric network analysis, modeling all variables in simultaneous interaction and allowing predictions between all variables from measuring point to measuring point (temporal dynamics). Specifically, using a Graphical Vector Autoregressive (graphicalVAR) model, yielding a contemporaneous and a temporal dynamics network model, we identified pivotal resources in regulating the student’s learning processes and outcomes, including resources with strong connections to other variables, intermediary resources, and resources maintaining the system’s homeostasis. This innovative approach has possible applications as a diagnostic tool that lays the foundation for tailored interventions.
ISSN:2227-7102