Language-Based Methodologies for Policy and Leadership Research

Abstract

This chapter introduces language-based methodologies and methods, which we argue are particularly relevant to education policy and leadership studies. The chapter discusses critical discourse analysis (CDA), discursive psychology (DP), and conversation analysis (CA) (including membership categorization analysis). First, the chapter provides a general discussion of language-based methodologies. Second, the chapter presents CDA, DP, and CA and highlights the following for each methodological approach: (1) the primary research focus; (2) key features or characteristics; (3) the relevant education policy and/or leadership literature, which has employed CDA, DP, and/or CA; and (4) primary resources for those new to such methodologies and methods. Third, it provides three illustrative examples. Finally, the chapter concludes with suggestions for policy and leadership scholars interested in the study of language writ large.