Provide a 5 pages analysis while answering the following question: Investigative Discourse Analysis. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide. An abstract is required. Since art is generally dependent upon creativity and creativity originates within the heart of the individual, this suggests discourse analysis is not based upon the precision and factual approach characteristic of a scientific bent of mind.
If discourse analysis was a science, it would require the application of the scientific method, and knowing the facts would be more important than knowing the heart of the speaker. Discourse analysis however requires an analysis of subjective elements rather than a focus on the purely rational, as it is for scientific analysis. While the discourse analyst uses the science of words, i.e., semiotics, the process of analysis does not involve the words themselves but rather the underlying signs that are associated with the words. A semantic analysis of narrative to detect deception, for instance, would involve noting when a person displays a lack of conviction about utterances, using the present tense to discuss events that are past, using generalized statements, an avoidance of self-referencing, and a reduced mean length of utterance. All of these are not dependent upon precise or scientific methods, rather they depend upon detecting subtle elements and aspects that are associated with the words and phrases and the manner in which they are delivered. The identification of temporary lacunae in the narration may also help to identify discrepancies (Radon, 1994: 94).
The process of discourse analysis does not function on scientific principles of application and testing of hypotheses. While it may be necessary to apply rational principles to some extent in assessment and analysis of discourse, the overall interpretation is based upon the subjective assessment. When carrying out a discourse analysis, every pause and hesitation has meaning as well, (Radon, 1994: 47) therefore it conforms more to the mold of art rather than science that requires hard material data to be analyzed as opposed to ambiguous elements such as hesitations, pauses, fluctuations in syntax and such factors. .
