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Define content analysis and recall the essential procedural steps a researcher must take to systematically measure variables and extract meaning from archival data using this method.
Question: Define content analysis and recall the essential procedural steps a researcher must take to systematically measure variables and extract meaning from archival data using this method.
Sample answer: Content analysis is defined as a family of systematic approaches used to measure and extract meaning from complex archival data. The procedural steps require the researcher to: 1) specify keywords, phrases, or ideas of interest, 2) locate all occurrences of these specified elements within the data, and 3) count, time (e.g., the amount of time devoted to the topic), or otherwise analyze the occurrences.
Key points:
- Defines content analysis as a systematic approach to measuring and extracting meaning from complex archival data.
- Recalls the step of specifying keywords, phrases, or ideas of interest.
- Recalls the step of locating all occurrences of the specified targets within the data.
- Recalls that occurrences are measured by counting, timing, or other analytical methods.
Rubric: Full credit (4 points): The response must accurately define content analysis, mention the initial step of specifying keywords/phrases/ideas of interest, detail the step of locating all occurrences, and state how they are measured (such as counting or timing). Partial credit: 1 point for each correctly recalled component.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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