In recent years, computer content analysis has undergone something of a renaissance. Inexpensive and powerful desktop computers mean that computer analysis of texts is available to most researchers. The availability of software to do analyses, however, is not always linked to clear theoretical and methodological understandings. This volume seeks to deal with this concern by providing, from scholars in a variety of disciplines, perspectives upon the theoretical and methodological issues which arise when conducting content analysis via computer. Although it is not always obvious, computer content analysis is a method which inevitably calls for theoretical assumptions. Those theoretical assumptions in turn drive methodological considerations, and method in turn determines the form of the practice of computer content analysis. This volume includes ten articles by well-known scholars utilizing computer content analysis. A variety of methodological, theoretical, and practical issues are here addressed, presenting unique methods and perspectives for the consideration of computer content analysis. Intended for an audience of graduate students, scholars, and in-field practitioners, Theory, Method and Practice of Computer Content Analysis will serve as an invaluable resource of ideas and practices for those interested in using computers to analyze textual material.

Methodological and theoretical issues involved in using computers in qualitative research are examined in this guide. Strategies for computer-assisted qualitative analysis include the discussion of networks of categories; the means of evaluation; and ways of combining analysis techniques.

Qualitative content analysis is a powerful method for analyzing large amounts of qualitative data collected through interviews or focus groups. It is frequently employed by students, but introductory textbooks on content analysis have largely focused on the quantitative version of the method. In one of the first to focus on qualitative content analysis, Margrit Schreier takes students step-by step through: - creating a coding frame - segmenting the material - trying out the coding frame - evaluating the trial coding - carrying out the main coding - what comes after qualitative content analysis - making use of software when conducting qualitative content analysis. Each part of the process is described in detail and research examples are provided to illustrate each step. Frequently asked questions are answered, the most important points are summarized, and end of chapter questions provide an opportunity to revise these points. After reading the book, students are fully equiped to conduct their own qualitative content analysis. Designed for upper level undergraduate, MA, PhD students and researchers across the social sciences, this is essential reading for all those who want to use qualitative content analysis.

Content analysis is a complex research methodology. This book provides an accessible text for upper level undergraduates and graduate students, comprising step-by-step instructions and practical advice.

Since the publication of the First Edition of Content Analysis: An Introduction to Its Methodology, the textual fabric in which contemporary society functions has undergone a radical transformation - namely, the ongoing information revolution. Two decades ago, content analysis was largely known in journalism and communication research, and, to a lesser extent, in the social and psychological sciences. Today, content analysis has become an efficient alternative to public opinion research - a method of tracking markets, political leanings, and emerging ideas, a way to settle legal disputes, and an approach to explore individual human minds. The Third Edition of Content Analysis remains the definitive sourcebook of the history and core principles of content analysis as well as an essential resource for present and future studies. The book introduces readers to ways of analyzing meaningful matter such as texts, images, voices - that is, data whose physical manifestations are secondary to the meanings that a particular population of people brings to them. Organized into three parts, the book examines the conceptual and methodological aspects of content analysis and also traces several paths through content analysis protocols. The author has completely revised and updated the Third Edition, integrating new information on computer-aided text analysis and social media. The book also includes a practical guide that incorporates experiences in teaching and how to advise academic and commercial researchers. In addition, Krippendorff clarifies the epistemology and logic of content analysis as well as the methods for achieving its aims.

How can you analyse narratives, interviews, field notes, or focus group data? Qualitative text analysis is ideal for these types of data and this textbook provides a hands-on introduction to the method and its theoretical underpinnings. It offers step-by-step instructions for implementing the three principal types of qualitative text analysis: thematic, evaluative, and type-building. Special attention is paid to how to present your results and use qualitative data analysis software packages, which are highly recommended for use in combination with qualitative text analysis since they allow for fast, reliable, and more accurate analysis. The book shows in detail how to use software, from transcribing the verbal data to presenting and visualizing the results. The book is intended for Master’s and Doctoral students across the social sciences and for all researchers concerned with the systematic analysis of texts of any kind.

In eight clear-cut steps, this book provides a systematic introduction to qualitative content analysis and how you can use it in each stage of your research project, no matter the type or amount of data. Developed by a leading expert in the field and based on years of teaching experience, this book offers an essential framework for interpreting qualitative data for any social sciences student or researcher. To support you in choosing the best approach for your research, this book includes: · Examples of how QCA can be applied to various research processes · An introduction to text analysis and its different approaches · Discussions of how to use QCA software to benefit your research · An online how-to manual to help you get the most out of QCAmap software. It also introduces the process of scientific research, and integrates qualitative and quantitative analysis into the step-by-step approach.