What is the main focus of conversation analysis in sociological research?

The main focus of conversation analysis in sociological research is to understand the rules of conversation structure. This approach is concerned with the ways in which people construct and manage conversations in everyday interactions. Scholars in this field study the organizational features of talk, such as turn-taking, pauses, overlaps, and the use of specific conversational cues. This involves a meticulous examination of how participants make sense of their interactions and the implicit norms that govern them.

By focusing on the structures and patterns of conversation, researchers gain insights into the social processes underlying communication, which can reveal broader social dynamics such as power relations, identity construction, and social cohesion. Conversation analysis is not primarily concerned with the specific content of discussions, the emotional undertones of conversations, or measuring their effectiveness; rather, it seeks to uncover the systematic ways in which conversation functions as a social phenomenon.