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Heilemann, Michael ; Stoeger, Heidrun

A STEM dictionary for quantitative text analysis in online education: development and validation

Article

Heilemann, Michael and Stoeger, Heidrun (2026) A STEM dictionary for quantitative text analysis in online education: development and validation. Education and Information Technologies.

DOI to cite this document: 10.5283/epub.79348


Abstract

Effective online STEM education programs depend on participants’ engagement in discussions about STEM-related topics. The lack of efficient and validated measurement instruments for systematically analyzing such communication, however, limits the collection of behavioral data in this area. This article presents the development and assessment of the main psychometric properties of a LIWC-based ...

Effective online STEM education programs depend on participants’ engagement in discussions about STEM-related topics. The lack of efficient and validated measurement instruments for systematically analyzing such communication, however, limits the collection of behavioral data in this area. This article presents the development and assessment of the main psychometric properties of a LIWC-based STEM dictionary designed to measure STEM-related communication. A series of 10 studies examined the dictionary using classical test theory criteria, including objectivity (particularly objectivity of scoring and interpretation), reliability (parallel-test, split-half, and retest reliability), and validity (construct and criterion validity, including both concurrent and predictive validity). These studies were conducted within the context of a nationwide online mentoring program for girls, focusing on participants’ STEM communication on a secure mentoring platform. Results indicate that the STEM dictionary provides a reliable and valid instrument for measuring STEM-related communication in online educational contexts. We discuss the potential of the dictionary-based approach for evaluating computer-based educational measures in STEM and its use as an efficient method for analyzing communication processes in digital learning environments.



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Details

Item typeArticle
Journal or Publication TitleEducation and Information Technologies
PublisherSpringer
Open Access TypeDEAL (Springer)
Date23 April 2026
Date of publication28 Apr 2026 11:19
InstitutionsHuman Sciences > Institut für Bildungswissenschaft > Lehrstuhl für Schulpädagogik (Prof. Dr. Heidrun Stöger)
Human Sciences > Institut für Bildungswissenschaft
Identification Number
ValueType
10.1007/s10639-026-13979-1DOI
KeywordsSTEM education · Quantitative text analysis · Digital educational contexts · Dictionary development · Computer-based education · STEM communication · Educational assessment · Mentoring
Dewey Decimal Classification300 Social sciences > 370 Education
StatusPublished
RefereedYes, this version has been refereed
Created at the University of RegensburgYes
URN of the UB Regensburgurn:nbn:de:bvb:355-epub-793483
Item ID79348

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