Composition and Big Data

Big Data is becoming increasingly important in rhetoric and composition, and Composition and Big Data brings together scholars, teachers, and administrators to explore its role in research and teaching. Chapters interpret and implement the drive toward data in diverse ways, such as ethical reflections, database design, corpus linguistics, and quantitative autoethnography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2021
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

As the analysis of data on a massive scale and through computational techniques becomes increasingly feasible and manageable, the significance of rhetoric and composition in this realm grows. The ability to scrutinize thousands of documents, peer-review comments, labor hours, and citation networks has become a reality in composition courses and beyond. The intersection of composition and big data aims to initiate a collective exploration of the role that algorithmic and computational approaches can or should play in research and teaching within the field. This multidisciplinary endeavor brings together scholars, teachers, and administrators who are actively engaged in utilizing big-data methods and datasets to shape the future of research and instruction.

The chapters in this book cover a wide range of topics, encompassing ethical reflections, database design, corpus linguistics, quantitative autoethnography, and more. These chapters interpret and implement the drive toward data in diverse ways, taking into account various contexts such as programmatic assessment, first-year pedagogy, stylistics, and learning transfer across the curriculum. By examining these chapters, readers gain insights into the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating data into composition studies.

One of the key themes explored in this book is the ethical considerations surrounding the use of data in research and teaching. The authors emphasize the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. They discuss the potential risks and biases associated with algorithmic and computational approaches and offer strategies for mitigating these issues.

Another important aspect of composition and big data is the development of effective database design and management. The authors provide practical insights into the process of organizing, storing, and analyzing large datasets, emphasizing the importance of data quality, integrity, and security. They discuss the use of various tools and techniques, such as SQL, Python, and R, to manipulate and analyze data, and explore the potential applications of these tools in composition research and teaching.

Corpus linguistics plays a significant role in the interpretation and analysis of data in composition studies. The authors discuss the development of corpora, the collection and analysis of textual data, and the use of statistical and machine learning techniques to identify patterns and trends in language use. They explore the potential applications of corpus linguistics in areas such as genre analysis, rhetorical analysis, and the study of learning transfer across the curriculum.

Quantitative autoethnography, a relatively new approach to research in composition studies, is also explored in this book. The authors introduce the concept of quantitative autoethnography and discuss its potential benefits and challenges. They provide examples of quantitative autoethnographic research projects and discuss the methods used to collect and analyze data, including surveys, interviews, and textual analysis.

In conclusion, composition and big data offer a wealth of opportunities for scholars, teachers, and administrators to explore the role of data in research and teaching in the field of composition studies. By bringing together, together a diverse range of perspectives and approaches, this book provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating data into composition studies. As the analysis of data continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that rhetoric and composition will play an increasingly important role in shaping our understanding of language and communication in the digital age.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822946748