QCA

What is the definition of Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA)?

A systematic, rule-based analysis of text in which categories are defined in advance to classify meaning.

What is the core purpose of QCA?

To systematically describe and classify content, compare content across cases, and sometimes test or apply theory.

What characterizes the categories in QCA?

Categories are defined in advance and often derived from research questions, existing theory, or existing codebooks.

What type of content does QCA focus on interpreting?

Mostly manifest content (what is explicitly said) with a preference for low interpretation.

What is Conventional QCA?

A type of QCA where categories are developed inductively from data while still maintaining a systematic approach.

What is Directed QCA?

A type of QCA where categories are derived from existing theory and used to test or extend that theory.

What is Summative QCA?

A type of QCA that focuses on the frequency or presence of words or concepts, involving counting and interpretation.

What are the steps in the QCA workflow?

1. Select material 2. Define categories (codebook) 3. Define coding units 4. Code text systematically 5. Build coding tree 6. Analyze patterns.

What defines the coding tree in QCA?

It organizes open codes into subcategories and main categories with a hierarchical structure, usually containing 2-7 categories.

How is sampling in QCA characterized?

Samples can be heterogeneous; the sample is fixed in advance without theoretical sampling or saturation logic.

What is a classic exam trap regarding QCA?

Saying that QCA builds theory or uses theoretical saturation.