Document & Textual Analysis
What is Document Analysis?
Document Analysis is the process of collecting, cleaning, transforming, and modelling raw data into useful data.
Document Analysis in qualitative research is the process of evaluating qualitative data to interpret them and thoroughly understand their meaning, eventually leading to a conclusion accounting for all the gathered data.
What is Textual Analysis?
Textual analysis in qualitative research is the process of interpreting and understanding languages, structure and pictures present in the text that may aid in acquiring additional information besides the text given.
When Are These Methods Used?
Textual Analysis
To interpret themes, ideas, and messages presented in the text.
To analyze language, word choice, and structure to understand how meaning is created.
Document Analysis
Examine existing documents to understand experiences and events from existing records instead of direct interaction with participants.
To understand the context and purpose a document.
Importance in Research
Textual Analysis
Helps understand thoughts, feelings, and experiences of participants.
Reveals patterns, themes and perspectives.
Adds depth to the understanding of the study.
Document Analysis
Provides factual evidence and background from existing records.
Adds credibility and context to the study.
Helps verify and support information from participants.
Example
I. 1987 Philippine Constitution
Textual Analysis
Textual Analysis focuses on interpreting the structure and phrasing of articles and sections as well as the central ideas that are being emphasized in each article.
Document Analysis
Document Analysis on the other hand, would focus on the background of the document and the context as to why it was written in the first place. It emphasizes the purpose of the document as a whole and its role as the foundation of Philippine Law and abiding policies that each citizen must abide by.