Comparative methodology in an era of big data and global networks / edited by Radhika Gorur, Sam Sellar and Gita Steiner-Khamsi.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Big data and even bigger consequences / Radhika Gorur ; Sam Sellar ; Gita Steiner-Khamsi -- Part 1. Impacts : randomized controlled trials : league leader in the hierarchy of evidence? / Gita Steiner-Khamsi -- The strengths and shortcomings of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) : reflections from REAP's experiences in China / Prashant Loyalka -- Randomized Controlled Trials : limitations for explaining and improving learning outcomes / Moses Oketch -- Part 2. Patterns : in search of patterns : with enough data, do the numbers speak for themselves? / Radhika Gorur -- Intimate data infrastructure : emerging comparative methods of predictive analytics and psycho-informatics / Ben Williamson -- Politicized data and spatial methods : generating understanding of contemporary educational policy environments and interventions / Christopher A. Lubienski ; Priya G. La Londe -- Rethinking cause and effect : analyzing economic growth and PISA scores over a period of 15 years / Yariv Feniger ; Michael Atia -- Part 3. Relations : global education policy in evolving network societies / Sam Sellar -- The value of network analysis for the study of global education policy : key concepts and methods / Francine Menashy ; Antoni Verger -- Cartographies of the digital governance of education / Paolo Landri -- Big data and new social relations in higher education : Academia.edu, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate / Janja Komljenovic -- Part 4. Context : contextualizing "context" / Gita Steiner-Khamsi ; Radhika Gorur -- Comparing platforms and the new value economy in the academy / Susan L. Robertson -- Rethinking the concept of "context" in comparative research / Lesley Bartlett ; Frances Vavrus -- Making and mobilizing contexts in policy and research / Nelli Piattoeva ; Anni Klutas ; Olli Suominen.

Digital methodologies, new forms of data visualization and computer-based learning and assessment are creating new challenges as well as opportunities for scholars in educational research. The World Yearbook of Education 2019 explores this highly relevant topic, opening a new discussion about the various conceptual and methodological challenges and opportunities in contemporary educational research.This volume explores contemporary methods of inquiry, with chapters organized around four topics of enduring interest in this field: impacts, patterns, relations and contexts.The World Yearbook of Education 2019 comprises contributions from internationally renowned scholars exploring novel concepts and methodologies in grappling with contemporary empirical phenomena in educational research. Vital questions such as how we understand the technological developments that are creating new possibilities for and demands on education, and how we make sense of complex cases that cut across multiple nations, are discussed.This newest addition to the prestigious World Yearbook of Education series provides a fascinating read for scholars in the fields of education policy and comparative education. It is not only a useful resource for educational researchers and policy makers examining new trends and emerging issues, but would be of interest to graduate students exploring innovative methodologies, particularly in the study of education and education policy.