Intro to Content Analysis

Content analysis is a different technique used for collecting and organizing data. Content analysis is not quantitative or qualitative but may be both. It is suggested that content analysis is “objective, systematic, and quantitative. Nonetheless, this particular technique involves an economical process, as well as a vigilant and systematic examination and understanding of a specific organization of material whose efforts are assist to categorize themes. Content analysis utilizes an unobtrusive method, there is no need to have an instantaneous interaction with individuals or groups. This technique is used as a method for analyzing media reports and visuals.

Content analysis is used in several disciplines: sociology, criminology, psychology, education business and the several others. Content analysis is a procedure that may be classified as a coding operation and data interpreting process, method behind this technique is to use the coded data in a form that may be used to address research questions.

Three major approaches that assist with analyzing qualitative data are: interpretative data approaches, social anthropological approaches, and collaborative social research. Interpretative data provides a method in which determining the understandings of connotations and actions. Social anthropological approach is when the researcher is to recognize and clarify the behaviors people practice or function in a certain situation and how they come to comprehend situations, their purpose and how people normally flourish in everyday life. Collaborative social research approach involves participation from the participant who are being viewed by the researcher.

Content analysis is great tool when it is used with supplementary research methods such as interviews and observations. Of the research methods we have discussed in previous chapters this technique seems to be more straightforward and an easier method to apply when collecting data. However, content analysis also has its limits. Content analysis a more of an expressive method. The limitation content analysis presents is that this technique provides an expressive practice of what rather than an explanation of why.