introduction to discourse analysis

Question 1

dead scientist test

Answer 1

Would the situation you are studying happen if you didn’t turn up for work?

If yes – then it’s a naturalistic interaction/ situation.

Question 2

disclosure analysis -

Answer 2

A persons account will vary according to its function, that is it will vary according to the purpose of the talk.
Speech and actions are recorded, both of which are coded for later analysis (usually using Jefferson method of transcription but not always: Jefferson, 2004).

It emphasises the ways in which versions of reality are accomplished through language.

Usually naturally occurring data (which is where Frank comes in)

Question 3

jeffersons method

Answer 3

Using a tape recorder

Transcribing

Question 4

qualitative questions

Answer 4

Why? What? How?

Question 5

criticisms of DA

Answer 5

Subjectivity

Replicability

Generalizability

Transparency

Question 6

rigour of DA

Answer 6

Credibility

Transferability

Dependability

Confirmability

Question 7

combating criticisms

Answer 7

More than one investigator – credibility

More than one method – triangulation – credibility

“thick description” - transferability

Research should be conducted in an explicit and systematic way – dependability.

Meticulous record keeping, including a separate diary – dependability.

Openness and honesty about theoretical perspectives and biases – confirmability

Question 8

5 points of DA

Answer 8

1. language is used for variety of functions -
2. language is both constructed and constructive.
3. there will be considerable variation and accounts – and that’s okay
4. that said, conversations usually follow certain convention and when they deviate from this there can be interactional trouble and that con be really interesting for a researcher.
5. The constructive and flexible ways in which language is used should themselves become a central topic