Conversation analysis and talk-extrinsic data in research on speech and language therapy

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Education

Background:

• Conversation Analysis (CA) is increasingly integrated with talk-extrinsic data in applied fields.
• Challenges and best practices for this integration, particularly in speech and language intervention, require ongoing discussion.
• Potential methodological pitfalls and unresolved issues in combining CA with other data sources need to be addressed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the effective combination of conversation analysis (CA) with talk-extrinsic data in speech and language therapy and education.
• To discuss the methodological considerations, potential pitfalls, and unresolved issues in applied CA research.
• To highlight the importance of aligning data integration with specific research questions and project aims.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a Swedish research project on interaction in speech and language intervention as a case study.
• Combines conversation analysis (CA) with talk-extrinsic data, including interviews and video-based retrospection sessions.
• Employs a qualitative approach to analyze the integration of different data sources.

Main Results:

• The effectiveness of combining CA with talk-extrinsic data is contingent upon the research questions posed and the value assigned to empirical materials.
• A risk exists of CA becoming a decontextualized technique ('bleached') if its theoretical and methodological underpinnings are neglected in applied settings.
• Careful attention to the origin and applied purpose of CA is crucial to maintain its integrity.

Conclusions:

• Successful integration of CA with talk-extrinsic data necessitates a clear understanding of research objectives and the strategic use of diverse empirical materials.
• Maintaining the theoretical and methodological integrity of CA is paramount, especially when applied to practical fields like speech and language therapy.
• Researchers must remain vigilant against reducing CA to a mere transcription tool, ensuring its full potential is realized.