Analyzing teacher-student interactions with state space grids

In this chapter an analysis tool, called State Space Grid (SSG) analysis is described. SSG analysis can be used to study social interaction as it occurs in real-time. A SSG is a visual representation of an interaction trajectory between two (or more) interaction partners (or variables). It is possible to derive several measures from an SSG analysis to study the content (e.g., attractors) and structure (e.g. entropy or variability) of interactions. This chapter summarizes several studies on interpersonal processes in education employing SSGs. First, we explain Interpersonal Theory, which was used to operationalize interpersonal interaction. Second, we explain why classrooms can be seen as complex dynamic systems. Third, we provide an introduction to SSG analysis and describe a selection of the various measures that can be derived with SSGs. Fourth, to illustrate how we have used SSGs to study interpersonal processes in education we provide four illustrations of (published and unpublished) studies we have carried out ourselves. Finally, we elaborate on the possibilities SSG analysis provides for educational research.