Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Content analysis is a research method used in sociology to systematically analyze and interpret the content of communication. It involves identifying patterns, themes, or biases within qualitative data like texts, interviews, or media.
AP course connection
Topic 1.3: 1.3 Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology
A method of inquiry employed in several different academic disciplines such as sociology, whereby it seeks to understand how individuals construct meaning through their social world.
Coding: The process of categorizing qualitative data into smaller groups to identify patterns and relationships.
Thematic Analysis: A method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data