Examples of Activity Systems Analysis Used in Research for Various Purposes

Abstract

This chapter will provide examples of how scholars have applied activity systems analysis in their work and what new insights their work contributed to the development of activity systems analysis as a viable methodology for investigating complex learning environments. The examples will demonstrate how researchers and practitioners have used activity systems analysis in a variety of contexts for different purposes. The examination of each example will provide ideas on how to use activity systems analysis to design and engage in investigations of human interactions. For the discussions in this chapter, I identified a set of criteria for selecting appropriate examples. The first criterion was that the example provided new knowledge about how to use activity systems analysis. The second criterion was that the author's understanding of activity theory and activity systems analysis was thorough and accurate. The third criterion was that the author provided a clear description of the data collection and analysis procedures. The fourth criterion was that the author's use of activity systems analysis reflected a thorough and accurate understanding of the theoretical framework and analysis process. While identifying appropriate examples following my criteria, I found seven studies that fell into four distinct work clusters. These clusters included works that help (a) understand developmental work research (DWR), (b) describe real-world learning situations, (c) design human computer interaction systems, and (d) plan solutions to complicated work-based problems. There is at least one example in each cluster discussion and, when appropriate, I have provided a second example. I identified nine common elements of research studies to anchor the discussions in this chapter and followed a consistent framework for the introduction of each example. These elements include research purpose, research question, data context , data sources, data analysis techniques, the unit of analysis, use of activity systems analysis, results, and implications. I chose these elements to characterize