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Exploring the relationship between clout and cognitive processing in MOOC discussion forums
Author(s) -
Moore Robert L.,
Yen CherngJyh,
Powers F. Eamonn
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
british journal of educational technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.79
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1467-8535
pISSN - 0007-1013
DOI - 10.1111/bjet.13033
Subject(s) - cognition , certainty , variable (mathematics) , psychology , online discussion , causation , value (mathematics) , word (group theory) , computer science , social psychology , cognitive psychology , linguistics , epistemology , world wide web , mathematical analysis , philosophy , mathematics , neuroscience , machine learning
Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between clout and cognitive processing in massive open online course (MOOC) discussion forum posts. Cognitive processing, a category variable generated by the automated text analysis tool, Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC), is made up of six sub‐scores (insight, causation, discrepancy, tentativeness, certainty and differentiation). Clout is a nontransparent summary variable in LIWC that can be used to understand the level of confidence conveyed in the text. Because clout is nontransparent, we do not know the algorithm used to calculate its value. To better understand this variable, this study examined cognitive processing alongside clout. In this study, a series of linear mixed models were fitted to evaluate, after controlling for gender, degree and type of post, if the focal relationship between each sub‐score of cognitive processing as the predictor variables and clout as the dependent variable changed across courses with different pacing (self‐paced or instructor‐paced). Next, the focal relationship between each predictor and clout was examined with or without regard to pacing. Findings showed words classified as showing discrepancy, certainty or differentiation were negatively associated with clout scores.