{"title":"Avoiding algorithm errors in textual analysis: A guide to selecting software, and a research agenda toward generative artificial intelligence","authors":"Janice Wobst , Rainer Lueg","doi":"10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115571","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of textual analysis is expanding in organizational research, yet software packages vary in their compatibility with complex constructs. This study helps researchers select suitable tools by focusing on phrase-based dictionary methods. We empirically evaluate four software packages—LIWC, DICTION, CAT Scanner, and a custom Python tool—using the complex construct of value-based management as a test case. The analysis shows that software from the same methodological family produces highly consistent results, while popular but mismatched tools yield significant errors such as miscounted phrases. Based on this, we develop a structured selection guideline that links construct features with software capabilities. The framework enhances construct validity, supports methodological transparency, and is applicable across disciplines. Finally, we position the approach as a bridge to AI-enabled textual analysis, including prompt-based workflows, reinforcing the continued need for theory-grounded construct design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15123,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Business Research","volume":"199 ","pages":"Article 115571"},"PeriodicalIF":9.8000,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Business Research","FirstCategoryId":"91","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296325003947","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"BUSINESS","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The use of textual analysis is expanding in organizational research, yet software packages vary in their compatibility with complex constructs. This study helps researchers select suitable tools by focusing on phrase-based dictionary methods. We empirically evaluate four software packages—LIWC, DICTION, CAT Scanner, and a custom Python tool—using the complex construct of value-based management as a test case. The analysis shows that software from the same methodological family produces highly consistent results, while popular but mismatched tools yield significant errors such as miscounted phrases. Based on this, we develop a structured selection guideline that links construct features with software capabilities. The framework enhances construct validity, supports methodological transparency, and is applicable across disciplines. Finally, we position the approach as a bridge to AI-enabled textual analysis, including prompt-based workflows, reinforcing the continued need for theory-grounded construct design.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Business Research aims to publish research that is rigorous, relevant, and potentially impactful. It examines a wide variety of business decision contexts, processes, and activities, developing insights that are meaningful for theory, practice, and/or society at large. The research is intended to generate meaningful debates in academia and practice, that are thought provoking and have the potential to make a difference to conceptual thinking and/or practice. The Journal is published for a broad range of stakeholders, including scholars, researchers, executives, and policy makers. It aids the application of its research to practical situations and theoretical findings to the reality of the business world as well as to society. The Journal is abstracted and indexed in several databases, including Social Sciences Citation Index, ANBAR, Current Contents, Management Contents, Management Literature in Brief, PsycINFO, Information Service, RePEc, Academic Journal Guide, ABI/Inform, INSPEC, etc.