What the study found
The study found that dissertation writers in applied linguistics and sociology used most metadiscourse items in similar ways, but they differed significantly in their use of evidentials, code glosses, and self-mentions. Metadiscourse refers to language that helps organize text and show the writer’s stance toward the research and reader.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings highlight the situated nature of metadiscourse and show preferred patterns of metadiscoursal use in applied linguistics and sociology dissertation discussion chapters. In other words, the study suggests that these rhetorical choices are shaped by discipline.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used Hyland’s 2019 metadiscourse model to analyze a corpus of 20 dissertation discussion chapters from two social science disciplines: applied linguistics and sociology. They compared how writers in the two groups used metadiscourse in these chapters.
What worked and what didn't
Most metadiscoursal items were appropriated similarly by the two groups. However, significant differences appeared in evidentials, code glosses, and self-mentions, with p < .05.
What to keep in mind
The available summary does not describe limitations in detail. The findings are based on a small corpus of 20 dissertation discussion chapters from only two disciplines, so the study’s scope is limited to that sample.
Key points
- The study compared metadiscourse use in dissertation discussion chapters from applied linguistics and sociology.
- Most metadiscourse items were used similarly across the two disciplines.
- Significant differences were found in evidentials, code glosses, and self-mentions.
- The analysis used Hyland’s 2019 metadiscourse model.
- The authors say the findings highlight the situated nature of metadiscourse.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Dissertation metadiscourse differed by discipline in some features
- Authors:
- Beibei Ren, Wei Zhu
- Institutions:
- City University of Macau, University of South Florida
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-17
- DOI:
- 10.3828/ijeap.2026.6
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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