DISCURSIVE TEXTUAL ANALYSIS AND CONTENT ANALYSIS

proximities and applicabilities in textual productions

Abstract

Theoretical and methodological discussion based on the understanding and application of Discursive Textual Analysis (ATD) and Content Analysis (AC) as qualitative data analysis methodologies, in this case, in textual productions of master’s students in a Professional Master’s Program in Teaching (PPGEN). The analysis of the texts entitled “My history with the master’s degree” outlined the profile of the research participants, their motivations and difficulties on the path to entering the master’s degree. Three main phases of ATD and AC were applied and compared, with identification of characteristics, regulations, procedures concerning each method, as well as notes of similarities and differences in the analysis of written productions. There was no concern to value one method more than the other, but to point out ways to analyze the information, consider singularities and the importance of methodological rigor in the process. The analysis of the texts produced by the students, through the application of both the ATD and the AC on the motivational factors for entering the master’s degree, pointed to the search for knowledge, personal fulfillment, professional and financial growth, in addition to the determination of the students to be able to better exercise their teaching skills. It is considered that the two data analysis methodologies and their theoretical approaches investigated here represent significant, relevant and non-exclusive foundations, but that even prove to be complementary in certain aspects. They have characteristics that lead to broadening the researcher’s understanding of the phenomenon under investigation, and it is up to the latter, taking into account his expectations and desired objectives, to choose which one to use in his research.