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Socio-cognitive openness framework: three levels, two dimensions, four discourse acts, and eight components

Research Method · All research methods
Evidence · 5 claims (5 for) · 2 studies (2 associational), q2–q3 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 5 claims rest on one study

Description

A conceptual framework for analyzing openness in online knowledge building contributions, organized at three levels: dimensions, discourse acts and components (see Fig. 1). The cognitive dimension contains components relating to the mental activities of producing and evaluating knowledge claims, while the social dimension contains components on how the contributor aligns with others and presents him- or herself. Components are grouped in pairs into the discourse acts of building knowledge, expression of uncertainty, community orientation and the expression of self, reflecting the principles of producing knowledge claims and taking intersubjective stance. The framework was operationalized as a binary coding scheme applied in ATLAS.ti to Knowledge Forum notes.

Accounts

  • Socio-cognitive openness framework: three levels, two dimensions, four discourse acts, and eight components: A conceptual framework for analyzing openness in online knowledge building contributions, organized at three levels: dimensions, discourse acts and components (see Fig. 1). The cognitive dimension contains components relating to the mental activities of producing and evaluating knowledge claims, while the social dimension contains components on how the contributor aligns with others and presents him- or herself. Components are grouped in pairs into the discourse acts of building knowledge, expression of uncertainty, community orientation and the expression of self, reflecting the principles of producing knowledge claims and taking intersubjective stance. The framework was operationalized as a binary coding scheme applied in ATLAS.ti to Knowledge Forum notes. (van Heijst et al. (2019))
  • Socio-cognitive openness: a CSCL construct with cognitive and social dimensions decomposed into four discourse acts and eight components: A new explanatory construct for CSCL developed by van Heijst et al. to explain why actual knowledge-building levels remain low, since "students sometimes do not build upon the prior work of their peers and need scaffolding to do so." It distinguishes two dimensions (cognitive and social) divided into four knowledge-building discourse acts — knowledge-building, expression of uncertainty, community orientation, expression of self — and eight components. The framework was empirically tested by analysis and coding of Knowledge Forum contributions from two mixed cohorts of students and teachers, with its two-factor structure validated. (U. Cress et al. (2019))

Claims

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Key Sources

  • van Heijst, H., de Jong, F. P. C. M., van Aalst, J., de Hoog, N., & Kirschner, P. A. (2019). Socio-cognitive openness in online knowledge building discourse: does openness keep conversations going? International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 14, 165-184. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11412-019-09303-4
  • U. Cress, C. P. Rosé, N. Law, S. Ludvigsen. (2019). Investigating the complexity of computer-supported collaborative learning in action. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11412-019-09305-2
Page metadata
Field Value
type research-method
id socio-cognitive-openness-framework-three-levels-two-dimensions-four-discourse-acts-and-eig
title Socio-cognitive openness framework: three levels, two dimensions, four discourse acts, and eight components
description A conceptual framework for analyzing openness in online knowledge building contributions, organized at three levels: dimensions, discourse acts and components (see Fig.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-18
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