Dominance Theater, Slam-a-Thon, and Cargo Cults

Three Illustrations of How Using Conceptual Metaphors in Qualitative Research Works

Bibliographic Data

ID2384763
AuthorsSara Dexter (0000-0002-3254-7727, University of Minnesota), Donald R Lamagdeleine (St. Thomas University)
Year2002
Volume8
Issue3
Pages362-380
Publication date2002-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Inquiry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1077-8004 • E-ISSN: 1552-7565
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/107780040080030010
OpenAlexW2104781652
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited19

Although a metaphor is often viewed either as a literary device or as the distinguishing characteristic of figurative language, taking a conceptual view of metaphor enables delving into the research process itself. Specifically, the authors address how a metaphor is both reflexive of a researcher's worldview and potentially generative of new research directions previously unconsidered. To illustrate this, the authors examine three case studies that exemplify how a conceptual metaphor can greatly facilitate the researcher's understanding of an emerging topic and its defining issues. They conclude by suggesting some premises and steps researchers should consider if interested in using conceptual metaphors as an analytic tool

Conceptual metaphor · Dominance (genetics · Epistemology · Generative grammar · Linguistics · Literal and figurative language · Metaphor · Qualitative research · Reflexivity · Social science · Sociology · Digital Storytelling and Education · Discourse Analysis in Language Studies · Language, Metaphor, and Cognition · Philosophy