Epistemological Considerations: Towards a Theoretical and Methodological Framework for Discourse Analysis

Interpretive discourse analytical research is required to establish how it produces its findings, by setting this out in a transparent way. This chapter sets out the theoretical framework and methodological approach to the discourse analytical research that underpins the findings of this book, presented in four sections. First, an interpretation of Foucault’s original texts establishes the key theoretical understandings underpinning this research in subject areas such as discourse and power-knowledge. Second, an explanation is provided of the three key elements of discourse that emerge as a focus for analysis, from the amalgamated work of discourse analysts: language; subject position; and institutional change. Third, an approach is offered to text selection, coding and analysis. Fourth, a discussion is presented of how this type of research might be assessed for validity. This is a specialist chapter that necessarily deals with research theory and method, rather than evidence-based policing.