The relevance of classification theory to textual analysis

Abstract

This article demonstrates the applicability of classification theory to various textual-analytic approaches such as grounded theory, content analysis, discourse analysis, and conversation analysis/membership categorization analysis. This applicability is based on three factors: extant and elicited texts can be broken down into categories that are essentially classification systems created and defined by the researcher; extant texts are themselves explicit or implicit classification systems; and classificatory frameworks can be applied to extant and elicited texts “in order to clarify their contribution to processes of meaning-making” (Fairclough, N. (2003). Analysing discourse: Textual analysis for social research. London: Routledge, p. 11). The recommendation is made that classification theory should be incorporated in the teaching of textual-analytic approaches in university-level research-methods courses, especially in the field of library and information science (LIS).