In Defense of Using Quantitative Approaches to Research Networked Management Learning
回应Hodgson和Watland关于网络化管理学习研究方法的观点，指出他们主张只使用话语分析和虚拟民族志的方法过于极端，并提出了定量方法的辩护理由。
In their article in this issue of Management Learning, Hodgson and Watland (2004) analyze the state of research in networked management learning. This is a particular type of technology-mediated learning (TML) environment where man-agers (or management students) use information and communication technolo-gies (ICT) to connect to other students, instructors or mentors as well as information resources. Computer-mediated communication, interaction and col-laboration are the hallmarks of networked learning as an educational approach. Thus it falls within the social constructionist view, which assumes that learning is constructed and emerges from dialogue with others. Hodgson and Watland (2004) argue that despite the rising importance of networked management learning, this topic has not received sufficient attention in the management education research literature. They also argue that the methods and approaches used to research this field are predominantly objectivist/ quantitative and have not been consistent with the educational principles and ideas associated with networked management learning. Therefore, they propose the use of discourse analysis and virtual ethnography as research methods for this area. While we share their concerns over the quality of networked management learning research, we feel that their proposal for the exclusive reliance on these methods to study this phenomenon is rather extreme. Our reply to this article is structured in three sections. First, we highlight areas where we clearly agree with the authors. Then, we discuss some points that we at least partially agree with them. Finally, we present some areas of likely disagree-ment with the authors and present some alternative perspectives. We must admit