Levels of Language: The Lexical, Semantic, and Discursive

Session Goals

To define a framework for language that distinguishes varying levels of analysis
To explains links between levels of language and broad methodological approaches
To apply knowledge of language levels to identify and appraise assumptions of existing research projects

Language can be understood on three interrelated levels: lexical, semantic, and discursive. On the lexical level, language consists of words which act as individual tokens. On the semantic level, language associates words with meanings which may be inferred through their relationships with other words. On the discursive level, language constitutes meaningful social action.
Assumptions are embedded in conceptualizations and analyses of language which focus on one level over others. Lexical approaches posit relatively static and universal properties to words devoid of context. Semantic approaches affirm the dynamic and multiple meanings of words taken together, yet do not speak to their wider social settings. Discursive approaches emphasize agentic and structured meanings particular to a given social context.
Research designs build on the foundational assumptions associated with each approach to language. Pre-validated dictionaries or word counts are typical of a lexical view. Topic models and network analyses exemplify a semantic view. A variety of qualitative methods like positioning analysis and deconstructive reading are incipient to the discursive view.

(~3 sentences) Find and read two social science papers which analyze language—preferably a psychology paper, or one related to your research interest for the term. Describe their approaches as lexical, semantic, discursive, or some mix of these categories. Explain your categorization.
(~6 sentences) For each paper individually, explain how its (a) research question, (b) methods, and (c) contribution to the literature link to their approach to language. What makes this approach to language make sense for the research question? Why are the methods designed as they are? What kinds of insights do they derive given the way they view language?
(~3 sentences) Briefly critique the papers. Are there issues in how they analyze their chosen level of language? How would you improve on the current approaches?

Untitled

Session photo. I think this turned out better than last time. 18 Feb 2022.

Session photo, taken by EJ. Probably the better pic. 18 Feb 2022.

Jackson, J. C., Watts, J., List, J., Puryear, C., Drabble, R., & Lindquist, K. A. (2021). From text to thought: How analyzing language can advance psychological science. Perspectives on Psychological Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916211004899