The Contribution of Latent Semantic Analysis to Multilevel Policy Analysis: The Case of Lifelong Learning Policy

This article demonstrates how latent semantic analysis (LSA) used together with multilevel statistical analysis, provides a methodological framework for analyzing multilevel policies formally from a cognitive perspective. The central assumption underlying the cognitive approach to multilevel policies is that ideas, norms, or values of a higher level may be different from those that structure action at a lower level, but have an influence on them. The proposed method can test this hypothesis by using textual data analysis. This text focuses on vocational training policy as presented through three framework documents related to the implementation of the European Social Fund (ESF) in France in 2007-2013.