Editorial: Conceptual Dilution

Glen Bull, Charles Hodge, Chrystalla Mouza, Kinshuk, Michael Grant, Leanna Archambault, Jered Borup, Richard E. Ferdig, Denise A. Schmidt-Crawford

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorial

Abstract

Any concept that is widely adopted by scholars and practitioners inevitably is used in ways that the originators did not intend. Expansion of a concept in this way can be described as conceptual dilution. Conceptual dilution does not refer to the necessary process of refining a theoretical model over time, often with empirical evidence. Rather, it refers to the unintended use of and expansion of a concept beyond its original definition or intent. This article identifies examples of conceptual dilution in the field of educational technology. The editors of leading journals in the field contributed instances of conceptual dilution observed in submissions to their respective journals. In many instances, the editors of these journals maintain a database of responses to authors who submit articles containing instances of conceptual dilution. These examples are presented as an aid to prospective authors who are contemplating submission of articles in these topic areas.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)117-128
Number of pages12
JournalContemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education
Volume19
Issue number2
StatePublished - Jun 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

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