Discourse analysis is often accused of ‘anything goes’. In a classic paper on discourse analysis, University of Loughborough heavyweights Charles Antaki, Michael Billig, Derek Edwards and Jonathan Potter respond to this critique by distinguishing 6 analytic pitfalls in work labeled discourse analysis.
These pitfalls are:
1. under-analysis through summary;
2. under-analysis through taking sides;
3. under-analysis through over-quotation or through isolated quotation;
4. the circular identification of discourses and mental constructs;
5. false survey and;
6. analysis that consists in simply spotting features.
In a response, Erica Burman adds three more:
7. under-analysis through uncontested readings;
8. under-analysis through decontextualisation and;
9. under-analysis through not having a question
"Turn on the magic" by The Frankfurt School (flickr.com)
Tom Van Hout 