title: Bridging Minds: A Mixed Methodology to Assess Networked Flow.
abstract: The main goal of this contribution is to present a methodological framework to study Networked Flow, a bio-psycho-social theory of collective creativity applying it on creative processes occurring via a computer network. First, we draw on the definition of Networked Flow to identify the key methodological requirements of this model. Next, we present the rationale of a mixed methodology, which aims at combining qualitative, quantitative and structural analysis of group dynamics to obtain a rich longitudinal dataset. We argue that this integrated strategy holds potential for describing the complex dynamics of creative collaboration, by linking the experiential features of collaborative experience (flow, social presence), with the structural features of collaboration dynamics (network indexes) and the collaboration outcome (the creative product). Finally, we report on our experience with using this methodology in blended collaboration settings (including both face-to-face and virtual meetings), to identify open issues and provide future research directions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Galimberti
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chirico
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brivio
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Elvis
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mazzoni
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riva
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Milani
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gaggioli
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003405:Creativity; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D007398:Interpersonal Relations