Content Analysis Questions
Deductive content analysis and inductive content analysis are two different approaches used in content analysis.
Deductive content analysis involves the application of pre-existing theories or frameworks to analyze the content. Researchers start with a specific hypothesis or theory and then use the content analysis to test or confirm it. This approach is more structured and focused, as it follows a predetermined set of categories or codes derived from the existing theory.
On the other hand, inductive content analysis is a more exploratory approach. It involves analyzing the content without any preconceived categories or codes. Instead, researchers allow the patterns and themes to emerge from the data itself. This approach is more flexible and open-ended, as it allows for the discovery of new insights and themes that may not have been anticipated.
In summary, the key differences between deductive and inductive content analysis lie in their starting points and level of flexibility. Deductive content analysis starts with a pre-existing theory or hypothesis and follows a predetermined set of categories, while inductive content analysis starts with the data itself and allows for the emergence of new themes and patterns.