[CASCI Talk] Sociometers and Sensibility

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019
11:00 am – 12:00 noon
HBK South 2119

Description

New research methods can transform research specialties and disciplines by providing new types of data and enabling the asking and answering of new kinds of research questions. Sociometers – wearable electronic sensors that capture dynamic, quantitative data about embodied interactions – represent such a possibility for studies of scientific collaboration. This talk will relate my experiences using sociometers to study small group collaborations among scientists working at two national research centers in the environmental sciences. I will discuss the distinctive qualities and affordances offered by sociometers as a new method in the social sciences, present findings from two pilot studies that combined sociometric data with surveys to study sociometric correlates of group creativity, and close by discussing practical lessons and the methodological limits of this potentially powerful new method.

Speaker bio

John N. Parker directs the US National Science Foundation’s funding programs in Science & Technology Studies and Ethical and Responsible Research. He is an expert on scientific creativity, boundary organizations, and scientific collaboration. He has published in journals such as American Sociological Review, Social Studies of Science, Sociological Methods & Research, and Sociological Theory.

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Click here for a downloadable event flyer pdf to share.

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Pre-Reading

Oct 29, CASCI will have a reading group to discuss an article selected by John Parker to help inform his presentation and discussion. The pre-reading is not necessary to attend his presentation. All are welcome to join us for the reading group.
We will be reading:

John Parker also offered a second reading, which will not be covered at the CASCI reading group, but we are providing for your own review:

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