Posner, Miriam, and Andy Walace. "Very Basic Strategies for Interpreting Results from the Topic Modeling Tool." Miriam Posners Blog. N.p., 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.

Abstract:

A tutorial blog by Miriam Posner about understanding topic modeling, how to use the Topic Modeling Tool and how to understand the tool.

Description:  

The blog shows the user step-by-step instructions, and offers different approaches on how to tackle topic modeling through the Topic Modeling Tool program.  Posner explains the technical aspects, including what the numbers and data in both the “_html” and “_cvs” files the program generates, and the different ways to turn them into visualizations in order to interpret the seemingly scrambled topic models.  Posner suggests viewing these topics as “a great way to understand that topic modeling is not a way of revealing any objective “truth” about a text; instead, it’s a way of deriving a certain kind of meaning — which still needs to be interpreted and interrogated” (Posner, 2012).

Statement of Relevance to the Project:

The TMTA research project is an attempt on applying the topic modeling principles on nonfiction texts about Latinas’ experiences before they chose to leave their respective home countries.  Therefore Posners blog offers a clear introduction on both the technique and the Topic Modeling Tool itself.  Posner’s acknowledgement and deliberate target to first-time users, offers assurance and understanding for any first-time user interested in either understanding the program itself or the practice of topic modeling in general.  

Resources for Further Study:

Graham, Shawn, Scott Weingart, and Ian Milligan. "Getting Started with Topic Modeling and MALLET." Web log post. The Programming Historian. N.p., 2 Sept. 2012. Web. 7 Dec.2014.

"Topic Modeling Tool." Topic-modeling-tool - A Graphical User Interface Tool for Topic Modeling. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.