Chapter 8. Variation in methods for studying political metaphor
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Paul H. Thibodeau
Abstract
This chapter explores methodological variation in the study of political metaphor, focusing on a comparison of two approaches: the Critical Discourse Approach (CDA) and experiments (the Response Elicitation Approach; REA). What kinds of political metaphors have been investigated on the two approaches and what insights have these studies revealed? What are the strengths and limitations of each approach? As cognitive psychologists, we have more experience with experiments, and our discussion is grounded in an exposition of the logic and mechanics of experimental design. But we advocate for methodological pluralism because understanding political metaphor is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary endeavor. Some research questions are better addressed through discourse analysis; others are better addressed with experiments; scholars should use the method that is best suited to addressing their research question.
Abstract
This chapter explores methodological variation in the study of political metaphor, focusing on a comparison of two approaches: the Critical Discourse Approach (CDA) and experiments (the Response Elicitation Approach; REA). What kinds of political metaphors have been investigated on the two approaches and what insights have these studies revealed? What are the strengths and limitations of each approach? As cognitive psychologists, we have more experience with experiments, and our discussion is grounded in an exposition of the logic and mechanics of experimental design. But we advocate for methodological pluralism because understanding political metaphor is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary endeavor. Some research questions are better addressed through discourse analysis; others are better addressed with experiments; scholars should use the method that is best suited to addressing their research question.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction: Studying variation in political metaphor 1
- Chapter 1. First Lady, Secretary of State and Presidential Candidate 13
- Chapter 2. Fairies, Christmas miracles and sham marriages 35
- Chapter 3. The rhetorical use of political metaphor before, during and after the presidency 61
- Chapter 4. Knifed in the back 83
- Chapter 5. Greek metaphors in the fiscal straightjacket 107
- Chapter 6. The use of sensorimotor-based concepts during and after presidential campaigns 131
- Chapter 7. Variations of metaphors in party manifestos about EU finality 151
- Chapter 8. Variation in methods for studying political metaphor 177
- Conclusion 195
- Biographical notes 207
- Index 211
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction: Studying variation in political metaphor 1
- Chapter 1. First Lady, Secretary of State and Presidential Candidate 13
- Chapter 2. Fairies, Christmas miracles and sham marriages 35
- Chapter 3. The rhetorical use of political metaphor before, during and after the presidency 61
- Chapter 4. Knifed in the back 83
- Chapter 5. Greek metaphors in the fiscal straightjacket 107
- Chapter 6. The use of sensorimotor-based concepts during and after presidential campaigns 131
- Chapter 7. Variations of metaphors in party manifestos about EU finality 151
- Chapter 8. Variation in methods for studying political metaphor 177
- Conclusion 195
- Biographical notes 207
- Index 211
