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Analysis of Qualitative Material
Dorwin P. Cartwright
Abstract
The fundamental objective of all content analysis is to convert phenomena (i.e., symbolic behavior of people) into scientific data. Author has specified four characteristics which scientific data must display: (1) objectivity and reproductibility, (2) susceptibility to measurement and quantification, (3) significance for systematic theory, either »pure« or »applied«, and (4) generalizability.
In constructing an analysis outline for a given project, it will be useful to organize the work so that it consists of six steps, or clusters of decisions. At each of these points the developing outline should be checked against the formal requirements for scientific data. These steps are: (1) specifying needed data, (2) mapping out plans for tabulation, (3) laying out the skeleton of the outline, (4) filling in categories for each variable, (5) establishing procedure for unitizing the material, (6) trying out the analysis outline and unitizing procedure on a sample of the material.
The successful use of a well-developed outline depends upon the selection of capable coders, effective training of them in the outline being used, and the establishment of good supervision so that so that proper procedures of coding are followed.
Experience over a number of years with content analysis reveals that when technically well executed it can be a most valuable tool for the social scientist. It should be viewed, however, only as a tool. Even when it is extremly well fashioned, its scientific or practical value may, in a specific project will combine both technical excellence and a good research design aimed at answering significant research questions.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
155690
URI
Publication date:
30.6.1988.
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