Content Analysis of Argumentation Structures
The Role of Reliability in Argument Mapping
Abstract
In this thesis, I develop the method Content Analysis of Argumentation Structures (CAAS) as a reliability-orientated type of content analysis that can be used in social-empirical contexts to analyse the argumentation structure of texts.
I argue that the results of argumentation analyses are often underdetermined due to interpretive leeway and that argumentation-theoretical approaches are unable to limit this degree of interpretation. In other words, argumentation analysis is faced with an irreducible degree of interpretation. Following established paradigms in content analysis, such an irreducible degree of interpretation inevitably leads to a violation of reliability. To address this concern, I propose a statistical concept of reliability that offers a solution, drawing an analogy to how random errors are managed in measurements within the natural sciences.
Key Contributions
- Method Development: Introduces CAAS as a novel reliability-orientated content analysis method
- Theoretical Framework: Addresses the fundamental challenge of interpretive leeway in argumentation analysis
- Statistical Solution: Proposes a statistical concept of reliability inspired by natural sciences
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Bridges argumentation theory, content analysis, and statistical methodology
Publication Details
- Pages: 295
- Language: English
- Institution: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- Defense Date: June 24, 2025
- DOI: 10.5445/IR/1000182475
