Computer-assisted text analysis methodology in the social sciences

Abstract

"This report presents an account of methods of research in computer-assisted text analysis in the social sciences. Rather than to provide a comprehensive enumeration of all computer-assisted text analysis investigations either directly or indirectly related to the social sciences using a quantitative and computer-assisted methodology as their text analytical tool, the aim of this report is to describe the current methodological standpoint of computer-assisted text analysis in the social sciences. This report provides, thus, a description and a discussion of the operations carried out in computer-assisted text analysis investigations. The report examines both past and well-established as well as some of the current approaches in the field and describes the techniques and the procedures involved. By this means, a first attempt is made toward cataloguing the kinds of supplementary information as well as computational support which are further required to expand the suitability and applicability of the method for the variety of text analysis goals." (author's abstract)