Content Analysis - is the sociological method, involving the reading of the written text (document) the language of mathematics.In general terms, we are talking about the transfer of information contained in an ordinary letter in statistical measurement.It is used for large volumes of information, such as the study of the political programs of the parties or candidates.Such software position - documents are usually large enough volume, so to get the right information, usually isolated subject of research, which is then "chased" by all available documentary array.To explain a specific example.
What think?
So we have programs of the parties.We are interested in what ideological positions occupied by the participants of the electoral process with respect to the problems of integration, and how these positions differ from each other.Remember that content analysis - is methodologically statistics section, as well as all the practical sociology.On the subject of research were defined.Next you need to understand what we assume.There are two options: either the paragraphs where there are statements about the integration, any statements with similar content.For me, it is better the last option, because many shades statements and, therefore, not surprising to miss the hidden meaning.Figuratively speaking, the content analysis does not like: the slightest methodological error leads to biased results.The entire amount of work will have to redo.
Classification statements
must now decide how to count and will be for some groups.Splitting the party offers the following groups: integration vector (European-Eurasian);evaluation of statements (positive - neutral - negative).It must be remembered that content analysis (for example research shows it) involves extreme precision, despite the subjective opinion of a sociologist.Therefore, we must rely not on their own assessment, and prescribed context.It will be visible immediately.This is followed by such indicators: the number of statements (for each group), and the total number of utterances.Then it is already possible from the data to make preliminary conclusions.
counting procedure
statements are grouped with respect to each other and are calculated so that they could see the sense and textual relationship.For example, there are 100 statements, 90 of which - for Eurasian integration, but only 40 have a positive assessment.This means that for the vector expresses the relative minority parties, and (considering the median value of the index) there is no ideological certainty in this matter.This does not mean that the "mistaken" study, a content analysis - a fairly accurate method.The only question is that the concept of "integration" is connected not only with the electoral mood, but also other factors that need to be further investigated.
Afterword
In order to prevent such an error, it is best to make a pilot, test analysis.Then we can understand and clarify on what criteria will be counted.The main thing is clearly operationalize the concepts used in the analysis, so as not to lose the individual shades of expression.Content analysis - it is hard work, requiring special attention to the goals and objectives of the study.But, in contrast to the same mass surveys, it provides more objective results.
