A research note on corpora and discourse: Points to ponder in research design

Abstract

Corpus-assisted discourse studies (CADS) has developed into a mature and popular approach to the study of text and talk. Yet researchers still need to face certain key methodological challenges every time they design a research project. These include: finding the right fit between the research question, data, method and theory; preventing analytical tools from dictating the research process; maintaining the distinction between quantitative and qualitative tools; ensuring that empirical claims are commensurate with the representativeness of the data; and avoiding the misinterpretation of findings. Although none of these challenges can be overcome entirely, significant benefits can be reaped from addressing them critically and self-reflectively.