Owen Harney: Collective Intelligence

Owen is conducting his PhD research in the area of computer-supported collaborative learning. His research involves the integration of the systems science methodology, Interactive Management (IM), into the classroom environment. Owen’s research has investigated the effects of social psychological variables, such as dispositional trust, consensus and perceived efficacy in this collaborative learning process, forming the basis for his first PhD study. This paper, published in Social Psychology of Education, can be found here.

Owen’s subsequent studies have sought to investigate the effects of facilitation style and peer-to-peer prompting on the complexity of argumentation and social-emotional processes and outcomes in collaborative learning. Building upon the vision of John Warfield, Owen’s research seeks to inform the development of an applied systems science education programme. A proposal for the development of applied systems science education is detailed in this book chapter, which Owen contributed to with Dr. Hogan and Professor Benjamin Broome. Owen has contributed to two other book chapters to date including a chapter on Integrating Argument Mapping with Systems Thinking Tools and Metacognitive Skill Development and Applied Systems Science, as well as papers on student-centred conceptualisations of critical thinking and the use of a systems science methodology in consultation with citizens about the design of wellbeing measures and policies. Outside of his PhD research, Owen has worked on many other projects with Dr. Hogan, assisting with the design and application of collective intelligence workshops for the Route-To-PA and Q-Tales EU projects.

Owen can be found on Twitter, LinkedIn and ResearchGate.