Section Two: Analyzing Communicative Practices of the Discourse Community

Our community shares common goals, such as improving policy outcomes, and employs specific genres, like policy briefs and research papers. Additionally, our community utilizes particular communication channels, such as conferences and academic journals, to share knowledge and ideas. As part of the communicative practices used by members of the political science and policy discourse community, research articles are one of the most prevalent genres. These articles are typically published in peer-reviewed journals and involve a rigorous research process. In terms of content, research articles in this community typically include an introduction, literature review, methodology, data analysis, results, and conclusion sections. The writing style in these articles is formal and academic, using technical language and jargon specific to the discipline. Examples of significant publications in this genre include the Journal of Politics, Public Administration Review, and the American Political Science Review.

When it comes to research articles, experts in the political science and policy discourse community utilize specific communicative practices to provide relevant and necessary information to their audience. These articles are typically organized into specific sections such as an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. These sections are used to provide a clear structure for the article, allowing the reader to follow the argument and understand the significance of the research.

Through the use of these specific sections, the writer is presenting their research findings in a clear and organized manner. This allows readers to follow the argument and understand the significance of the research. Research articles are a critical communicative practice in the political science and policy discourse community, allowing experts to share their findings, build on existing knowledge, and advance the field as a whole.

Op-eds are another valuable communicative practice for members of this discourse community. These opinion pieces typically present a persuasive argument or point of view on a particular topic. The writing style is often less formal and more conversational in tone, making them more accessible to a broader audience than research articles.

Op-eds usually follow a basic structure. The opening paragraph orients the reader to the topic and the author’s perspective, providing a hook to capture the reader’s attention. The subsequent paragraphs present arguments and evidence in support of the author’s position. Op-eds often use anecdotes, statistics, or personal experiences to support the author’s claims. The conclusion provides a summary of the author’s main points and emphasizes the importance of the topic.

One of the key features of op-eds is their ability to engage a wide audience. They are often published in major newspapers or on websites, which allows them to reach readers who may not be familiar with academic journals or research reports. Op-eds are used to engage the public and create a dialogue around important policy issues. They can also be used to influence policymakers or political leaders by presenting a clear and persuasive argument for a particular policy or course of action.

Experts use evidence and arguments to persuade readers of the importance of their topic and to offer solutions or policy recommendations. Op-eds allow experts to communicate their ideas and research findings to a wider audience and to make a case for the relevance of their work. By presenting their perspectives in a clear and accessible way, experts can help shape public opinion and influence policy decisions. Members of the discourse community aim to make their research findings accessible to a broader audience and to influence public opinion on particular policy issues. For example, Matt Bruenig often publishes op-eds on his personal blog and in various news outlets to share his thoughts on current events related to social policy.

Social media is a prevalent and accessible communication channel in the community. Members of the discourse community will use social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Substack to share their research and engage with others in the field. The use of social media allows for the exchange of information, ideas, and debates in a more casual, less formal manner. Social media posts can take a variety of forms, including links to research articles or op-eds, short summaries of research findings, or brief commentary on current events.

The discursive features of social media posts vary depending on the platform and the purpose of the post. For example, on Twitter, posts are limited to 280 characters, which necessitates concise and clear messaging. LinkedIn and Substack, on the other hand, allow for longer posts that provide more in-depth analysis or explanation. Social media posts are often written in a style that is meant to engage the audience. The use of images, videos, and infographics is also common, as they can help convey complex ideas and data in a visually appealing way.

In terms of contexts, social media is used in a variety of settings within the policy science and policy analyst discourse community. For instance, social media is often used to promote new research, share publications, and engage with policymakers or journalists who may be interested in the work. Additionally, social media is used to discuss current events and policy developments, allowing experts in the field to share their thoughts and opinions with a wider audience. Finally, social media is used to build networks and connections within the community, allowing members to engage in ongoing conversations about policy issues and collaborate on research projects.

Overall, experts in the political science and policy discourse community use a variety of communicative practices to share their research findings and to influence public opinion on particular policy issues. These practices reflect the reading, writing, and research values of the community, which prioritize evidence-based policy making and the use of rigorous research methods. Through these practices, experts are contributing to the development of knowledge in the field and promoting more informed policy decisions.

Works Cited: Burstein, P. (2019). The politics of research design in political science. Annual Review of Political Science, 22, 1-17. Mayer, N. & Staggenborg, S. (2020). Scholarly communication and career paths: A study of political scientists. PS: Political Science & Politics, 53(4), 572-578. Bruenig, M. (2021, April 2). Why there should be no billionaires. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/opinion/billionaires-wealth-tax.html.