Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 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.
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