Post 4 My Response to, “An Introduction to Discourse Analysis”

Fatima Muhammad                                                                                          March 16, 2020

ENG 5002*01 – Post 4                                                                                   Dr. Nelson

My Response to, “An Introduction to Discourse Analysis”

My Response “Discourse Analysis: Making Complex Methodology Simple”

Discourse analysis, “It means that the research methods should provide us with the powerful mode to cover the dynamics of IS implementation, and give us the opportunity to conceptualize assumptions of the users embedded in the discourse on IS implementation.” (Bondarouk and Ruel)

For my research project I will conduct research on how autistic students to relate to writing poetry that they will write.  My empirical research will be based on the four components of IS implementation: task, people, structure and technology.   My task will be to observe how autistic students, (people), are effected by the poetry they write.  The structure will be in a classroom setting, with a teacher, teacher aides and I.  As the interpreter I will provide interpretations of how autistic students respond to writing poetry.  My interpretations will be based on the hermeneutical principles based on my experience working with this population, my prior researched knowledge on the emotions of autistic students, using certain types of poems, and how much time I spend with the students.  Technology will be used to according to the tolerance of the students.

Bondarouk and Ruel share eight steps that they developed and used in their empirical research:

Step one – identifying a theory                                  Step two – operationalisation

Step three – sampling                                                  Step four – conducting interviews

Step five – transcription                                              Step six- member check

Step seven – analysis                                                  Step eight – debriefing

“However, we believe that there are strong reasons, which increase the important of discourse analysis in the IS field.” (Bondarouk and Ruel)  I will attempt to apply these reasons to my research project.

“First, the subject matter of discourse analysis involved the “real life of IS in organization.” (Bondarouk and Ruel) 

My research will be based on empirical research of actual autistic students, in a real class room setting while observing their authentic responses to their poetry writing.

“Second, it challenges the research and requires creativity and improvisation.” (Bondarouk and Ruel)  My research project definitely requires creativity and improvisation.  In order to help the students open up and feel free to writing and sharing I must be creative, use different approaches and different styles of poetry. Improvisation will enable to be ready to respond to impromptu emotional changes that the students may experience.

“Third, by using contextual knowledge, discourse analysts link different social events that mutually support the research idea.” (Bondarouk and Ruel) 

In my case, discourse analysts can link different social events such the classroom setting and the art class in the art room.  The art room is usually filled with creative projects on the walls and throughout the room.  This type of creative room may inspire the students.  Or, it may be too much and prove to be over whelming.

“Fourth, analysis of discourse is open for multiple interpretations but also for new contexts, which might cause the results to change.” (Bondarouk and Ruel) 

Each student is different and will response differently to the activity of writing poetry.    If I observe the students on multiple days my interpretations will be different based on their day to day responses.  These different responses will, of course, call for multiple interpretations that can open new context of research.

“Fifth, with a good interpretation, any absurd behaviours would no longer appear.” (Bondarouk and Ruel)  I’m not sure if this reason will apply to my research.  With this population of students their day to day behavior changes and will therefore, need new interpretations.