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Discourse Analysis in Research on Aging

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Linda A. Wood  and
Rolf O. Kroger
Linda A. Wood
Affiliation:
University of Guelph
Rolf O. Kroger
Affiliation:
University of Toronto
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Abstract

This article explores the potential of discourse analysis for understanding issues in aging and in the lives of older people. We describe discourse analysis from the perspective of discursive psychology and identify the basic features of discourse analysis: (1) talk and written texts are viewed as action; (2) talk itself is the topic of interest (not an index of internal states); (3) variability is viewed positively. Stages of discourse analysis are briefly discussed. We then consider examples of discourse-analytic research (on identity construction, phatic communion, frame stereotyping and humour). We conclude by suggesting possible uses and applications of discourse analysis in research on aging.

Résumé

Cet article étudie les possibilités offertes par l'analyse du discours pour comprendre les questions portant sur le vieillissement et la vie des personnes âgées. Les auteurs décrivent l'analyse de discours selon la perspective de la psychologie discursive et déterminent les principaux aspects de l'analyse du discours, soit (1) les tests verbaux et écrits sont perçus comme une action; (2) le discours est considéré en lui-même comme un sujet d'intérêt (et non une indication des états d'esprit); (3) la variabilité est reconnue comme un élément positif. De plus, ils traitent brièvement des étapes de l'analyse du discours. Ils présentent ensuite des exemples de recherches analytiques de discours (touchant la construction de l'identité, les menus propos, de même que les stéréotypes du vieillissement et l'humour). Finalement, les auteurs concluent en suggérant des utilisations et applications possibles de l'analyse du discours en matière de recherche sur le vieillissement.

Keywords

Discursive PsychologyDiscourse AnalysisQualitative ResearchSocial Construction.Psychologie discursiveanalyse du discoursrecherche qualitativeconstructivisme social.
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 14 , Issue S1 , Été/Summer 1995 , pp. 82 - 99
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1995

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