Mathematical modeling for theory-oriented research in educational technology

Mathematical modeling describes how events, concepts, and systems of interest behave in the world using mathematical concepts. This research approach can be applied to theory construction and testing by using empirical data to evaluate whether the specific theory can explain the empirical data or whether the theory fits the data available. Although extensively used in the physical sciences and engineering, as well as some social and behavioral sciences to examine theoretical claims and form predictions of future events and behaviors, theory-oriented mathematical modeling is less common in educational technology research. This article explores the potential of using theory-oriented mathematical modeling for theory construction and testing in the field of educational technology. It presents examples of how this approach was used in social, behavioral, and educational disciplines, and provides rationale for why educational technology research can benefit from a theory-oriented model-testing approach.