A multi-componential methodology for exploring emotions in learning: using self-reports, behaviour registration, and physiological indicators as complementary data

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Anneli Eteläpelto
Virpi-Liisa Kykyri
Markku Penttonen
Päivi Hökkä
Susanna Paloniemi
Katja Vähäsantanen
Tuomas Eteläpelto
Vesa Lappalainen

Abstract

Studies on emotions in learning are often based on interviews conducted after the learning. Therefore, these do not capture the multi-componential nature of emotions and how emotions are related to the process of learning. We see emotions as dimensional and multi-componential responses to a personally meaningful events and situation. In this methodologically frontline study we developed a multi-componential methodology, which provides complementary information about emotions during learning. In this study, by using a within subject design of one person, we focused on emotions during the professional identity learning. In a laboratory setting, the subject was shown personally meaningful video extracts from a learning situation she had participated earlier. The data were gathered by using (i) self-reports of emotions via the Emotion Circle (EC) online assessment, (ii) measures of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity via Electro-Dermal Activity (EDA) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), (iii) behavioural registration of facial expression and gaze, and (iv) the Stimulated Recall Interview (SRI). Self-reports of emotions via EC, as well as the emotion-driven SRI were found to be productive, not only in detailing and explaining emotions experienced during watching the videos, but also in bringing about reflective learning and novel insight. EDA and HRV provided complementary information from the subject’s ANS activity during the learning process. EDA seemed to be a valid indicator of active and agentic learning, while HRV was found to be a promising indicator of creative and reflective learning.  

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How to Cite
Eteläpelto, A., Kykyri, V.-L., Penttonen, M., Hökkä, P., Paloniemi, S., Vähäsantanen, K., Eteläpelto, T., & Lappalainen, V. (2018). A multi-componential methodology for exploring emotions in learning:: using self-reports, behaviour registration, and physiological indicators as complementary data. Frontline Learning Research, 6(3), 6–36. https://doi.org/10.14786/flr.v6i3.379
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Articles
Author Biographies

Anneli Eteläpelto, Department of Education, University of Jyvaskyla

Anneli Eteläpelto is the first author, and contact person

Virpi-Liisa Kykyri, Department of Psychology, University of Jyvaskyla and Faculty of Social Sciences / Psychology, University of Tampere, Finland.

Virpi-Liisa Kykyri is the second author.

Markku Penttonen, Department pf Psychology, University of Jyvaskyla

Markku Penttonen is third author

Päivi Hökkä, Department of Education, University of Jyvaskyla

Päivi Hökkä is fourth author

Susanna Paloniemi, Department of Education, University of Jyvaskyla

Susanna Paloniemi is the fifth author

Katja Vähäsantanen, Department of Education, University of Jyvaskyla

Katja Vähäsantanen is the sixth author

Tuomas Eteläpelto, Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä

Tuomas Eteläpelto is seventh author

Vesa Lappalainen, Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyvaskyla

Vesa Lappalainen is eight author