The Application of Improved Metaphor Analysis in Education Research

This article aims to investigate the potentials of the method of metaphor analysis used to explore the belief systems of the participants of education processes. It introduces a new instrument called improved metaphor analysis (IMA), which is believed to provide an efficient way of research in the area. To begin with, the linguistic and psychological background is introduced, followed by a brief review of the principles and the existing methodologies of metaphor analysis in education, in particular the benefits and the drawbacks of the current applications. Within this framework, IMA intends to improve the method of using metaphors for research in education through resolving the demands of objectivity in research by means of maintaining reliable data processing while working with sensitive issues.