Textual analysis section

What is qualitative content analysis?

A research method to analyze text and patterns by systematically coding and categorizing the data.

Inductive coding strategy

The researcher analyses the text with an open mind to identify meaningful themes that answers their research question. They do not need to have a theory before coding the data.

Deductive coding strategy

The researcher starts with theoretical assumptions of what they will find in the data and often use a theory.

Mix of inductive and deductive coding

The researcher has some theoretical assumptions before coding the data, but is open to finding new insights.

Selection strategy for sampling

types of text (e.g. only newspapers), time period, ideology

Advantages of QCA

there are many texts to analyse, low cost, distance from subjects, reliable and valid

Disadvantages of qualitative content analysis

selection bias, you cannot prove anything with QCA, there could be unreliable results if the coding scheme is biased

What is discourse?

An ensemble of ideas of how language we use shapes the world.

Composite elements - language

word choices, metaphors, tone

Composite elements - semiotics

hidden meanings, undertones, symbolic meanings

Composite elements - conventions

the way of presenting ideas - news articles, policies, academic papers

Composite elements - site/form

can be written, spoken or in visual form

What is discourse analysis?

a way to understand political behaviour - assumes that people act on beliefs/values/ideologies that give meaning to their actions