Linguistic analysis and focus groups
Aims
After completing the course, the doctoral student will be able to
- describe influential theories of linguistic analysis and relate them to research questions and aims,
- account for and argue in favor of a selected analytical framework,
- account for focus group interviews, both as methodology and method,
- critically evaluate the appropriateness of focus group interviews in relation to research questions and objects of study, and
- discuss ethical aspects relevant to both methods of data collection and analysis.
Course Content
The course is intended to provide the doctoral student with a solid theoretical foundation for planning and conducting both focus group interviews and linguistic analyses. It is designed to offer the doctoral student a general introduction to methods of linguistic analysis, while also providing in-depth knowledge of Appraisal Theory as an analytical framework. The various methods for both focus group interviews and linguistic analysis are also addressed in terms of their suitability for different data types and research questions. The course further covers the design of instruments for data collection, such as protocols for focus group interviews, as well as collection methods including the handling of audio and video recordings. Ethical aspects related to focus groups and linguistic analysis are also considered.
Examination
All learning outcomes are examined through active seminar participation, an individual oral presentation, and an individual written assignment.