From Text to Networks. Introduction to Discourse Network Analysis

Talk:
Discourse and language play an important role in political and social science and beyond. Discourse network analysis is a well-established and widely used method in which, based on textual data (such as newspaper articles or parliamentary records), statements by actors are manually coded into categories in combination with agreement or disagreement. In a further step, actors are linked to specific topics and visualized in policy networks. Visual representations and calculations of network measures (centrality, subgroup analysis) in combination with advanced quantitative analysis methods open up versatile analysis possibilities. Thus, the dynamic evolution of relevant actors in the policy subsystem can be identified and analyzed in connection with salient issues.

Workshop:
Discourse Network Analysis (DNA) will be introduced in the presentation and intensive workshop session. DNA is a methodology that combines Social Network Analysis (SNA) with content or discourse analysis. After a short introduction to the basics of SNA, we will also learn about different theories that are compatible with this method. This seminar will guide you through the design of an empirical study that uses DNA. We will start by finding an interesting topic in the field of current policy issues, formulating a precise research question, and creating an appropriate research design. Participants will also learn the entire process of generating data using the software discourse network analyzer (DNA). More specific examples of tasks include how to import text data and categorize the actors' statements, how to create a codebook, and how to export the data to the network visualization program Visone. Applying Visone, we can visualize the data and analyze the graphs using SNA measures. Finally, we will discuss how to conduct a research project and integrate this approach into your field of interest.