Methodological development of discourse analysis representation in research writing

(Introduction) Given the limitations of the written form of research and the orientation of qualitative data analysis software toward coding, discourse analysis still possesses a lack of methodological coherence leading to accepted conventions for understanding interaction. Studies that employing discourse analysis rely mainly on narratives and excerpts of discursive data to convey findings. The limitations of these representations presents obstacles for researchers in establishing the necessary transparency and research rigor to support the insights identified in analysis. (Goals and methods) This presentation proposes a more comprehensive approach to representations of discourse analysis aimed at greater contextualization of discursive data to clarify both meaning and interpretation. The researchers will draw on a discourse analysis of university classroom that explored the nature of dialogue and knowledge co-construction between teacher and student. Data was analyzed through theories of teaching and learning as well as theories of dialogue and axiological interaction. The researchers also used the insights identified in analysis to determine what aspects of the analyzed interactions require contextualization and representation in research writing. (Results) This discussion allows for the foundations of a methodological framework of necessary aspects of discourse analysis representation in research writing. These aspects include cultural contextualization, inflection points, and theoretical connections, all of which are necessary to a full discussion of findings where discourse analysis is employed. Visual representations of these aspects will be provided to propose useful models of discourse analysis in research writing. (Conclusions) The presentation of this methodological framework holds important implications for practices toward transparent and rigorous discourse analysis in research writing. Moreover, this discussion proposes considerations for the development of qualitative data analysis tools that can more ably facilitate discourse analysis.