Pattern identification
The process of recognising recurring trends, relationships, or structures in language data. Pattern identification is central to analysis.
Real World
Researchers analysing social media language after Brexit identified a pattern of increased hedging language in political posts during periods of uncertainty, a trend only visible by systematically comparing thousands of tweets over time.
Exam Focus
When identifying patterns, specify whether they are frequency, contextual, or relational — and always link the pattern back to your original research question.
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