Content Analysis and the Social Sciences: Nature, features and uses

Abstract

Regarding the fact that there are many data analysis methods, this research concerns itself with content analysis which has been increasingly used in research recently. Furthermore, content analysis is seen as one of the main research techniques used to analyse data in the social sciences field. It is interested in analysing data within its specific context. This is, a data analysis method whose importance makes it useful for diferent academic desciplines such as sociology, cultural studies, philosophy, anthropology, literary studies, linguistics, etc. Moreover, it can be done both quantitatively and qualitatively although it has been originally used as a quantitative research method until recent decades. Broadly speaking, content analysis examines communication via texts or transcripts reaching the central aspect of social interaction, and providing insights into complex models of language use. Nevertheless, if we compare the growing body of research conducted on topics of the field of research methodology with research on data analysis, we find that the available literature devotes insufficient room for data analysis in general and content analysis in particular. Thence, the present study attempts to introduce it to students and uncover its merits focussing on its nature, features and uses.