Discourse Analysis
The study of written or spoken language in its social context, used to understand how language is used to construct social reality.
Implications
A qualitative research method used to analyze written, spoken, or visual communication, often to understand how language is used to construct meaning, power dynamics, and social norms, commonly applied in media studies, sociology, and linguistics.
Example
Example: A researcher conducts discourse analysis on political speeches to examine how language is used to shape public perception and convey authority, identifying common rhetorical strategies and themes.
Related Terms
Different from content analysis, which focuses on quantifying elements in the text, discourse analysis explores the deeper meaning, context, and implications of language use.