scholarly journals Generating semantic maps through multidimensional scaling: linguistic applications and theory

2022 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martijn van der Klis ◽  
Jos Tellings

Abstract This paper reports on the state-of-the-art in application of multidimensional scaling (MDS) techniques to create semantic maps in linguistic research. MDS refers to a statistical technique that represents objects (lexical items, linguistic contexts, languages, etc.) as points in a space so that close similarity between the objects corresponds to close distances between the corresponding points in the representation. We focus on the use of MDS in combination with parallel corpus data as used in research on cross-linguistic variation. We first introduce the mathematical foundations of MDS and then give an exhaustive overview of past research that employs MDS techniques in combination with parallel corpus data. We propose a set of terminology to succinctly describe the key parameters of a particular MDS application. We then show that this computational methodology is theory-neutral, i.e. it can be employed to answer research questions in a variety of linguistic theoretical frameworks. Finally, we show how this leads to two lines of future developments for MDS research in linguistics.

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 302-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanne Martine Eckhoff ◽  
Olga A. Thomason ◽  
Peter de Swart

This paper takes a strictly empirical approach to the encoding of spatial notions in the four ancient Indo-European languages Ancient Greek, Latin, Gothic and Old Church Slavonic. By generating semantic maps on the basis of parallel corpus data, without any semantic pre-analysis, we use methods well tested in typology to study the basic divisions in the spatial domain in the four closely-related languages, and to determine the finer subdivisions within the Source domain. We find that the four languages are similar, but clearly independent of each other, each carving up the spatial domain in different ways. We also find substantial encoding overlaps between the Source and Location domains.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 315
Author(s):  
Malte Schäfer ◽  
Manuel Löwer

With the intent of summing up the past research on ecodesign and making it more accessible, we gather findings from 106 existing review articles in this field. Five research questions on terminology, evolution, barriers and success factors, methods and tools, and synergies, guide the clustering of the resulting 608 statements extracted from the reference. The quantitative analysis reveals that the number of review articles has been increasing over time. Furthermore, most statements originate from Europe, are published in journals, and address barriers and success factors. For the qualitative analysis, the findings are grouped according to the research question they address. We find that several names for similar concepts exist, with ecodesign being the most popular one. It has evolved from “end-of-pipe” pollution prevention to a more systemic concept, and addresses the complete life cycle. Barriers and success factors extend beyond the product development team to management, customers, policymakers, and educators. The number of ecodesign methods and tools available to address them is large, and more reviewing, testing, validation, and categorization of the existing ones is necessary. Synergies between ecodesign and other research disciplines exist in theory, but require implementation and testing in practice.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 450-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charl de Villiers ◽  
Pei-Chi Kelly Hsiao ◽  
Warren Maroun

Purpose This paper aims to develop a conceptual model for examining the development of integrated reporting, relate the articles in this Meditari Accountancy Research special issue on integrated reporting to the model and identify areas for future research. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a narrative/discursive style to summarise key findings from the articles in the special issue and develop a normative research agenda. Findings The findings of the prior literature, as well as the articles in this special issue, support the conceptual model developed in this paper. This new conceptual model can be used in multiple ways. Originality/value The special issue draws on some of the latest developments in integrated reporting from multiple jurisdictions. Different theoretical frameworks and methodologies, coupled with primary evidence on integrated reporting, construct a pluralistic assessment of integrated reporting, which can be used as a basis for future research. The new conceptual model developed in this paper can be used as an organising framework; a way of understanding and thinking about the various influences; a way of identifying additional factors to control for in a study; and/or a way of identifying new, interesting and underexplored research questions.


IDEA JOURNAL ◽  
2011 ◽  
pp. 112-121
Author(s):  
Fátima Pombo ◽  
Wouter Bervoets ◽  
Hilde Heynen

The process of ‘inhabitation’, the process of appropriating interior, domestic spaces by individuals, is a complex phenomenon that has been studied in different disciplines and relies upon different theoretical frameworks. These frameworks often remain implicit, whereas they nevertheless have a profound impact as to how the economy of the interior is conceptualised. This paper sets out to map three of these frameworks. We discuss phenomenology, critical theory and Actor-Network-Theory (ANT). Phenomenology holds that the home is a place deeply needed by all individuals in order to be able to really reach their potential. Critical Theory rather seeks to unravel the hidden meanings of domestic interiors as tied up with the logics of capitalist economy, patriarchy and hetero-normativity. ANT studies home interiors as complex entanglements of objects and people that can only be fully understood when taking these interrelations into account. The paper argues that the choice of a particular framework should correlate with the research questions one is asking and with the motivations that drive particular research projects.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
Paul Watt

The Introduction outlines the book’s rationale, research questions, methodology and theoretical frameworks within the context of London’s housing crisis and growing inequality. This context is encapsulated by the street homeless bedding down near citadels of private wealth in the form of luxury apartment blocks – many of which are half-empty – which cater for the global super-rich and are central to London’s property development. It is this juxtaposition – zero domestic space for those who desperately need it, but an overabundance of such space for those who don’t need or even want it – which lies at the cruel heart of London’s housing crisis. Other dimensions of this crisis include housing deprivation (e.g. overcrowding) and dispossession (e.g. evictions), both of which negatively impact upon London’s multi-ethnic working-class population. The chapter examines the highly controversial role played by estate demolition in relation to the housing crisis. The Introduction discusses critical urbanism, Bourdieusian sociology, verstehen sociology, and the sociology and geography of place. Place is examined in terms of attachment, images and myths, and also elective belonging (Savage) and selective belonging (Watt). Other central concepts include home and un-homing, neighbourhood and community, working class (Allen), values (Skeggs), marginalisation (Wacquant), gentrification, expulsions (Sassen) and displacement.


2020 ◽  
pp. 389-430
Author(s):  
Robert H. Logie ◽  
Clément Belletier ◽  
Jason M. Doherty

Multiple theories of working memory are described in the chapters of this book and often these theories are viewed as being mutually incompatible, yet each is associated with a supporting body of empirical evidence. This chapter argues that many of these differences reflect different research questions, different levels of explanation, and differences in how participants perform their assigned tasks in different laboratories, rather than fundamental theoretical adversity. It describes a version of a multiple component working memory in which a range of specialized cognitive functions (or mental tools) act in concert, giving the impression, at a different level of explanation, of a unified cognitive system. The chapter argues that more rapid and more substantial scientific progress on the understanding of the concept of working memory would be achieved through identifying the levels of explanation explored within each theoretical framework, and attempting to integrate theoretical frameworks rather than perpetuating debate with no clear resolution in sight.


Author(s):  
Laurent Dobuzinskis ◽  
Michael Howlett

The ILPA series of country studies displays some significant variation between jurisdictions in terms of the timing and purview of analysis and also shows how the movement towards the application of scientific precepts to policy questions continues to be moderated by adherence to older, more partisan political modes of decision-making and program planning. Despite a discernible trend toward the professionalization of policy advice in most countries, a variety of actors continue to contribute diverse ideas to policy debates, with policy advice systems, and their analytical components, taking diverse forms across nations, sectors and levels of government. In this volume, we present a more systematic and comparative up-to-date understanding of policy analysis practices in Canada than has hitherto been available. This introduction provides an overview of past research into the area and outlines a series of topics and research questions which are addressed in the other contributions to the book.


Author(s):  
Atsushi Tago

International relations scholars have long been working on how diplomacy can be understood by distinguishing diplomatic interactions in terms of multilateralism, bilateralism, and unilateralism. The so-called quantity-based approach focuses on the numbers of countries involved. Applying this framework, multilateralism needs more than three states in interactions; bilateralism needs two states; and unilateralism can be pursued by only a single state. However, there are more quality-based approaches to distinguish these interactions. Multilateralism requires states to follow international norms and pay more respect to international institutions; this is contrasted with unilateralism, where a single state can influence how international relations can be conducted. To understand multilateralism in foreign policy, it is crucial to understand how international society has developed institutions, norms, and regimes. By contrast, studies of unilateralism and bilateralism tend to focus on how a powerful state conducts its foreign policy by neglecting international institutions and legal constraints. This article introduces some recent evidence-based research on how multilateralism, bilateralism, and unilateralism are selected in a particular foreign policy area such as alliance formation, mediation, and international aid. The article covers how scholars frame research questions in each issue area and analyzes whether there are similarities or differences in research methods, data, and theoretical frameworks.


Author(s):  
A. A. Goncharov ◽  
◽  
O. Yu. Inkova ◽  
◽  

One of the main characteristics of logical-semantic relations (LSRs) between two fragments of a text is that these relations can be either explicit (expressed by some marker, e.g. a connective) or implicit (derived from the interrelation of these fragments’ semantics). Since implicit LSRs do not have any marker, it is difficult to find them in a text (whether automatically or not). In this paper, approaches to analysing implicit LSRs are compared, an original definition for them is offered and differences between implicit LSRs and LSRs expressed by non-prototypical means are described. A method is proposed to identify implicit LSRs using a parallel corpus and a supracorpora database of connectives. Based on the well-known statement that LSRs can be explicitated by adding connectives in the translation, it is argued here that through selecting pairs in which fragments where a connective is used to express an LSR in the translation correspond to those containing any of the translation stimuli standard for this connective in the source language, it is possible to get an array of contexts in which this LSR is implicit in the source text (or expressed by means other than connectives). This method is then applied to study the French causal connectives car, parce que and puisque using a Russian-French parallel corpus. The corpus data are analysed to obtain information about LSRs particularly about cases where the causal LSR in Russian is implicit, as well as about the use of causal connectives in French. These results are used to show that the method proposed allows to quickly create a representative array of contexts with implicit LSRs, which can be useful in both text analysis and in machine learning.


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