An Introduction to Text Mining. Gabe Ignatow

of discourse analysis methods.

      Conclusion

      In this chapter, we have reviewed the most critical philosophy of social science concepts that are relevant to the practice of text mining. We hope to have convinced you that philosophical assumptions and decisions about methodology are interdependent and to have given you the tools to allow you to position your own research project in terms of debates over positivist and postpositivist social science. You should also now be well equipped to recognize the types of logical inferences that are possible in different approaches to text mining and text analysis research.

      Key Terms

       Abduction 51

       analysis of variance (ANOVA) 50

       Coherence theory 44

       Constructionism 45

       Correspondence theory 44

       Critical realism 45

       Data mining 48

       Deduction 51

       Epistemology 41

       Grand theory 46

       Grounded theory 48

       Hypotheses 49

       Induction 47

       Inference 48

       Inference to the best explanation 51

       Meso theory 46

       Metatheory 41

       Ontology 41

       Philosophy of social science 41

       Pragmatism 45

       Regression (multiple regression) 50

       Scientific method 49

       Substantive theory 47

       Theoretical models 47

      Highlights

       Different approaches to text mining and text analysis research are premised on different epistemological and ontological positions.

       Theory plays fundamentally different roles in different approaches to social science research.

       Text mining and text analysis research involves making inductive, deductive, and/or abductive inferences.

      Discussion Questions

       What do social scientists mean by “constructionism”?

       What is inferential logic, and why do social scientists spend time thinking about it?

       What are limitations of deductive reasoning in social science research?

       What are problems with abductive reasoning in social science research?

       What risks are associated with purely inductive approaches to social science research?

       What is the definition of ontology? Can you give examples of contexts in which epistemology would be important in social science research?

       In what ways can metatheory stimulate problem solving by researchers?

       What is the definition of epistemology? Can you give examples of contexts in which epistemology would be important in social science research?

      Internet Resources

      The journal Philosophy of the Social Sciences (http://pos.sagepub.com)

      Developing a Research Proposal

      Do you favor positivism or postpositivism as a guide for your research? Explain your position.

      What types of theories will you use in your research project? Consider the role of theory in your research in light of how theory is used in published research in your area.

      Further Reading

      Reed, I. (2011). Interpretation and social knowledge. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

      Rosenberg, A. (2012). Philosophy of social science. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.

      Snow, C. P. (2013). The two cultures and the scientific revolution. London, England: Martino Fine Books. (Original work published 1959)

Part II Research Design and Basic Tools