Skip to main content Accessibility help
×
Hostname: page-component-89b8bd64d-n8gtw Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-05-07T10:38:47.759Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
Coming soon

Psychological Network Analyses and Directed Acyclic Graphs Tutorial for Developmental and Educational Science

Expected online publication date:  11 May 2026

Xin Tang
Affiliation:
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, University of Helsinki, and Tallinn University
Jindong Zhang
Affiliation:
University of Macau
Yuyang Zhang
Affiliation:
Shenzhen University
Hye Rin Lee
Affiliation:
University of Georgia

Summary

Psychological network analysis (PNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding the complex interplay of constructs in developmental and educational sciences. Unlike traditional models that assume relationships among variables arise from latent factors, PNA conceptualizes them as dynamic systems of interacting components. This tutorial introduces PNA's theoretical foundations, key concepts (e.g., nodes, edges, network structures), and its methodological applications using cross-sectional, longitudinal, intensive, and cohort data. Through step-by-step guidance and real-world examples, we illustrate how PNA can capture developmental changes, reveal causal structures using directed acyclic graphs, and support developmental and educational research. Special emphasis is given to practical implementation using R, including network estimation, accuracy testing, and visualization. By equipping researchers with the necessary tools to construct and interpret psychological networks, this Element provides a comprehensive framework for leveraging PNA to explore the multifaceted relationships shaping learning, motivation, and social-emotional development.

Information

Save element to Kindle

To save this element to your Kindle, first ensure no-reply@cambridge.org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

Psychological Network Analyses and Directed Acyclic Graphs Tutorial for Developmental and Educational Science
  • Xin Tang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, University of Helsinki, and Tallinn University, Jindong Zhang, University of Macau, Yuyang Zhang, Shenzhen University, Hye Rin Lee, University of Georgia
  • Online ISBN: 9781009645911
Available formats No formats are currently available for this content.
×

Save element to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

Psychological Network Analyses and Directed Acyclic Graphs Tutorial for Developmental and Educational Science
  • Xin Tang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, University of Helsinki, and Tallinn University, Jindong Zhang, University of Macau, Yuyang Zhang, Shenzhen University, Hye Rin Lee, University of Georgia
  • Online ISBN: 9781009645911
Available formats No formats are currently available for this content.
×

Save element to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Psychological Network Analyses and Directed Acyclic Graphs Tutorial for Developmental and Educational Science
  • Xin Tang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, University of Helsinki, and Tallinn University, Jindong Zhang, University of Macau, Yuyang Zhang, Shenzhen University, Hye Rin Lee, University of Georgia
  • Online ISBN: 9781009645911
Available formats No formats are currently available for this content.
×