Speech & Group Discussion Analysis in Social Intervention

Posted on Feb 7, 2025 in Business Administration and Innovation Management

Speech Analysis in Group Settings

Analyzing a 15-20 minute group discussion yields more information than initially anticipated, often exceeding the immediate needs of the research objectives. Typically, researchers begin analyzing the results *after* the transcription process is complete. However, in *focus groups*, a more immediate, ongoing analysis is beneficial. This is because focus groups address very specific problems, facilitating quicker insights and responses.

For other types of groups, analysis requires significant processing time and involves several stages:

Thematic Analysis of Discursive Material

This stage involves organizing the various subjects covered in the group conversation. The process starts by imposing order on the initial, seemingly disorganized, content. It’s akin to assembling a puzzle, with two primary goals:

  • Identify the various topics mentioned by the group.
  • Define the discursive thread for each of the topics discussed.

Structural Analysis of Discursive Material

This second phase aims to decipher and expose the linguistic meaning of the discursive material. This includes:

  • Parsing
  • Semantic Analysis
  • Pragmatic Analysis

It also involves analyzing the various systems of signs, both verbal and nonverbal.

Situational Analysis of Discursive Material

This level returns to the contextual (linguistic or sociological) setting of the group. It involves analyzing the specific situation in which the group addressed the social problem under investigation. This often includes comparing the discourse with other relevant discourses.

Group Discussion in Practice

Application in Social Intervention Techniques

Group Discussion (GD) is a versatile technique applicable to various problems or issues where understanding the underlying social reality is crucial. It is commonly associated with research, programs, and services of different kinds, particularly in evaluating actions and their outcomes.

GD can be useful in:

  • Designing programs or services that require a preliminary assessment of the social situation.
  • Developing a program or service, considering its objectives and operations.
  • Evaluating the effects of a program or service.

The use of GD is now widespread in evaluating various intervention techniques, especially those that utilize group practice to implement a particular program or social service. GD acts as a mirror of social reality, reflecting the practices and social interventions themselves. It is, therefore, applicable to group practices aimed at transforming the social reality of the individuals involved.

Because the aim of the discussion group is research, its presence is justified and advisable when the goal is to make the objectives and services more understandable. This is achieved by connecting with the reality being intervened upon, using the available techniques.

GD can be used to:

  • Adapt the intervention techniques used by the program or service offered.
  • Improve the dynamics generated by the techniques used. (Group action itself often leads to issues that need to be addressed).
  • Develop new intervention techniques. (Users can suggest alternative approaches).

This approach enables and ensures the success of the program and provides a return on the investment in structure and resources. It emphasizes not just knowing different techniques, but using the best and most versatile ones.