Content Analysis, Comparative Study

Question 1

What is content analysis?

Answer 1

Systematic analysis of the content of communication, which can be quantitative or qualitative.

Question 2

What is quantitative content analysis?

Answer 2

Focuses on manifest content through objective counting and categorizing of predefined elements.

Question 3

What is qualitative content analysis?

Answer 3

Focuses on latent content, interpreting underlying meanings, themes, and contexts.

Question 4

What are the strengths of content analysis?

Answer 4

Can analyze large volumes of data, unobtrusive, and systematic (Quant), depth of meaning (Qual).

Question 5

What are the weaknesses of content analysis?

Answer 5

Can be reductionist, subjectivity in interpretation (Qual), validity/reliability concerns, and time-consuming.

Question 6

What is comparative research?

Answer 6

Analyzing and comparing small N cases using methods like Most Similar Systems Design and Most Different Systems Design.

Question 7

What is the Most Similar Systems Design (MSSD)?

Answer 7

Select cases that are similar on most variables but differ on the outcome; identifies potential causes.

Question 8

What is the Most Different Systems Design (MDSD)?

Answer 8

Select cases that are different on most variables but share the same outcome; identifies common causes.