Kontekststudier

Kontekststudier (context studies) is a research approach that emphasizes the role of context in interpreting phenomena. Rather than isolating variables, it examines how social, cultural, historical and physical contexts shape meaning, decisions, and behavior.

The approach is interdisciplinary, applied across linguistics, education, sociology, anthropology, media studies and organizational studies. It investigates how factors such as place, time, power relations, institutional norms, and communicative practices influence outcomes.

Common methods include qualitative techniques such as ethnography, participant observation, interviews, discourse analysis, and case studies, often complemented by quantitative measures of contextual variables. Data sources can be field notes, documents, interviews, and media content.

Applications include language use and pragmatics, where meaning depends on context; education, where classroom and school context affects learning and equity; policy and management, where organizational or cultural context shapes implementation and strategy; and media and communication studies, where reception is framed by cultural context.

Critiques note challenges in defining context consistently, the risk of relativism, and difficulties in isolating effects. Proponents emphasize transparent theory, methodological reflexivity, and triangulation to bolster validity. Ethical considerations include respect for communities and informed consent in embedded research.