Yes, it is possible to utilize multiple analytical methods in one article. In fact, using multiple methods can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research question or topic. In your case, combining discourse analysis and content analysis can help you gain insights into both the content and the communication patterns in the classroom interactions. To handle the two methods in your article, you can start by clearly defining each method and explaining why you chose to use them. Next, you can describe how you applied each method to the data, including any specific software or tools you used. You should also provide examples of the themes and categories that emerged from each method. When interpreting the results, you can discuss the similarities and differences between the two methods, and how they complement each other. For example, you can discuss how the content analysis provided information about the topics discussed in the classroom, while the discourse analysis helped you understand the power dynamics and social interactions between the teachers and students.

Thank you @ Ajit Singh for the insightful response. I will definitely use it.

Actually, if you mean analyzing the content of the teachers' interview, then this is basically what discourse analysis is about. Discourse analysis includes an analysis of both the manner and the meaning of any verbal communication. So, while you examine the video recordings, you have to focus on what is being said and how it's being delivered or uttered.

First of all, it should be noted that despite the fact that content analysis and discourse analysis are different scientific methods (both properly structured as non-probabilistic methods of qualitative design research), both use the same research techniques and similar research instruments. How to baste both methods for an overlapping job? Simple. First, content analysis must be applied to segment the analysis units into sample blocks that allow differentiating the dynamics of the text (formal structures according to the textual typology, the text format and the conformation-structuring theory of said textual typology). . Then you must define from what perspective of discourse analysis you want to work (this taking into account the research design and the specific objectives of the study). From here, with the content file that is elaborated as a technique of the content analysis method, the dynamics of the discursive macro-structures, the mediation criteria and the context are studied (because since the sample is segmented through an analysis of the content, it is easier to use the strategies of polarization of the discourse taking into account the macro-structures that one wants to analyze). In summary, content analysis is applied as a method, and within it its fundamental technique, which is the bibliographic record. Then, from having the formal structures of the text separated (or polarized), an analysis of the discourse can be made category by category, semantic unit by semantic unit, pragmatic function by pragmatic function.

@ Hebert Obregón Expósito. Thank you for the descriptive response. I will utilise this information properly.

It is always a pleasure to collaborate.

Hello, Desalegn Zerai!

As Bakhtin and his Circle explain in the book "Marxism and the philosophy of language", you can use any kind of language analysis available together with the discursive approach. I also agree with Ajit Singh and Hebert Obregón Expósito (above) as far as how to proceed methodologically - very well explained. Another idea: to use the discursive approach as a broader scenario and the linguistic analysis as the restricted one/ones, as embedded layers. It´s a very powerful way of discussing data because you will study what was uttered and how it was uttered in the actual situation. I did that in my theses too. You will come to very interesting conclusions when you tie all the discursive and the linguistic results together.

I didn´t use content analysis as a researcher, but I teach my students to do so. The best part is to arrange the categories accordingly. Just note: I was a counselor once, for this kind of research, and the student became very prejudiced against something and for something else. So, be very impartial and avoid adjectives in the categories.

Good luck!

Success to your article!!

@Eveline Mattos Tápias-Oliveira. Thank you for the response you provided. It adds to my understanding of the use of the methods I noted in my question.

My pleasure!

I guess, it is very much possible to intertwine discourse analysis and content analysis in one communicative scenario. We just have to consider that people converse everyday so the oral discourse is integral and inherent in our daily existence. Content analysis would display the learner's capability in the use of the language, so I guess we see a blend of discourse analysis and content analysis.

@Expedito Malbago, I appreciate your response. Thank you so much.

I’m a bit puzzled that you’ve already completed your analysis given your reference to having “developed themes and categories of both data inductively”. A choice of analytical approach ought to have been made before engaging in the analysis. Nevertheless, to answer your question, the two approaches are different, and it is important to be aware of the basic assumptions underlying each.

Content analysis (CA) aims to retrieve meaning from documents whereas discourse analysis (DA) is concerned with the use of language and how context determines meaning. While it is possible to combine methods, I’d recommend (as a senior experienced qual. researcher once directed me) you make a choice between CA, DA, or thematic analysis (TA, more preferred) and stick to one. See resources for TA https://www.thematicanalysis.net/understanding-ta/. TA has the advantage because it accommodates the elements of both text/content and contexts. Hope this helps.

Discourse analysis and content analysis are two separate strategies for analyzing data from two sources. Discourse analysis is an approach used to analyze language in the context of its use and interpretation, while content analysis is a method for studying and analyzing texts in order to identify patterns and themes. When using both discourse analysis and content analysis together to analyze data from two sources, the researcher should first identify the key elements of the discourse and content in each of the sources. This can be done by looking for common themes, patterns, and key words or phrases. By focusing on these elements, the researcher can gain a better understanding of the data and how it relates to the two sources. Next, the researcher should analyze the discourse in each source by looking for how the language is used to communicate certain ideas, beliefs, or messages. This can be done by examining the way the language is written, the words used, and the context in which the language is used. Finally, the researcher should analyze the content in each source. This can be done through examining the words and phrases used in each source, looking for patterns in the content, and determining the overall themes or messages conveyed. By combining discourse analysis and content analysis to analyze data from two sources, the researcher will be able to gain a better understanding of the data and how it relates to the two sources. This can provide valuable insight into the messages and meanings being conveyed in each source.

Discourse analysis and content analysis seems to me the same concept. Probably I've not heard about content analysis before but if I'm not mistaken, by "content analysis" do you mean critical analysis? If you meant stylistics/critical analysis, I would advise you to use only one at a time.

Yes, it is possible to use both discourse analysis and content analysis in one article, and it is not uncommon for researchers to use multiple methods to analyze qualitative data. To handle the two methods, you should clearly explain the rationale for using both methods and how they complement each other in your research. Here are some tips for integrating the two methods:

1. Clearly define the research questions: Start by clearly defining your research questions and explaining how both discourse analysis and content analysis are relevant to answering those questions. This will help you justify why you are using both methods and how they complement each other.

2. Integrate the methods: Rather than treating discourse analysis and content analysis as separate methods, try to integrate them as much as possible. For example, you could use content analysis to identify themes or patterns in the data, and then use discourse analysis to explore how those themes are constructed through language use.

3. Organize your results: Organize your results in a way that makes it clear how each method contributes to your findings. For example, you could have separate sections for discourse analysis and content analysis, or you could integrate the results into a single section that highlights how each method contributes to your overall analysis.

4. Provide examples: When presenting your results, provide examples from both data sources to illustrate your findings. This will help readers understand how both methods are used to analyze the data and how they complement each other in your research.

5. Justify your methods: Finally, make sure to justify your choice of methods and explain why using both discourse analysis and content analysis was necessary to answer your research questions. This will help readers understand the rationale for your approach and the contributions of your research.

given that you want to go deeper with the analysis—-it is possible as long as it serves its purpose. However, the intricacy of the analysis can create confusion even to the researcher himself/herself. To mitigate this issue, clarity with the process of analysis by giving a clearcut framework of analysis emphasizing the amalgamated method which is the demand of your research should be highlighted at the onset of your exploration . Moreover, a supporting RRL that builds the connection and interlinkages of the two concepts merge into one is highly recommended.