Research effectively designed to raise questions that assess available systems of knowledge such as organizations as well as mainstream media outlets provides researchers, both individual and institutional, with principal groundwork. Particularly, Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) advances research in many fields of study including Law, Psychology, Education, etc. As a leading research method, experts conduct Qualitative Content Analysis to explore issues in national and civil law, health evaluations, and in higher education lecturing.

Like other qualitative research methods, QCA uncovers hidden meanings which influence interaction between individuals or groups in social settings. Meanings suggest what actions can be taken through the use of clues given from tone, language, or setting. When a doctor uses a code to label a patient based on the specific disease for which the patient is being treated, such as code 236 for ‘diabetic’, the doctor uses language to identify the patient.

Moreover, fitting in with other current research grants a project validation among other academics; peer review gives research a cohesive quality which ensures respectability in study. Various disciplines posit new approaches to research while raising important questions on relevant topics.

Proposing Research Questions to Conceptualize/ Follow-Through in Framework

To begin a QCA researchers should consider ‘recent’ research on similar or related topics.

The point of reviewing research on the same or related topic is that it is easier to refocus the research than to come up with new research that fails to address arising issues; after considering the postulates of recent research, analysts should be able to either address an issue that arose after the publication of the research or reconceptualize through using a different framework, approach, or discipline. Experts agree that everything has not been said. The most successful research extends until another discipline presents a new theory.

For instance, it can be said that in behavioral science, the disciplines of Sociology and Psychology often consider related subject areas to offer answers using different approaches; “family” crisis presents a topic for both sociologists and psychologists to study. One discipline solves a particular problem, while the other discipline researches a consequence of the phenomenon.

Furthermore, the research begins as analysts review potential participants for the study. Identification, or classification of potential participants into research subjects guides researchers through the first step of the project. Answering ‘who’ exactly is the research subject and denoting the qualifying attribute which made the individual stand out as a research subject engages the researcher and subject with the project

(Atkinson 2016). Justification reiterates your goals.

Here, after classifying research subjects, analysts should connect to an organization or mainstream news source that relates directly or indirectly to the project. A website presents the most immediate means of connection to the organization or news source; registration to start an account and frequent log-ins for participation and discussion of relevant issues come as a requirement. Of course, participating reveals the underlying framework for proposing questions on related topics (Atkinson 2016). Some examples of outstanding sites for connection include legal aid sites and other .org top-level domains. However participating may come at a price, but will be worth it after continuous review of the content. It will all add up.

So then, researchers should propose questions that ask who, what, and how? in QCA. Choosing the best method based on available resources presents another challenge for researchers. Again, QCA most effectively uncovers ‘hidden’ meanings in social sciences. Once researchers connect to an organization or mainstream news source, QCA guides the research project after analysts become familiar with the framework; the correct questions come easier as meanings are revealed from tone, language, and setting. However, for the construction of society at large, researchers should engage in a textual analysis. Instead of decoding meanings, a textual analysis builds a trusted link to society through community activity. The use of a single text, or multiple texts guides action in the community. Knowing which method to use in which situation advances the research project.

Measurement in (QCA) to Take Research A Step Further

A goal of qualitative research, inference through data analysis highlights the importance of ‘measurement’ in QCA (Atkinson 2016). Following engagement with the framework of the chosen organization or mainstream news site researchers should be prepared to continue an assessment; measurement of variables takes the research a step further. The grouping of data according to factors that may prove important to conditions of the research reiterates the advantage of measurement (Steinus 2017).

In qualitative research, experts frequently measure consensus, impact, support, etc to infer the direction of the data. Particularly, in measuring consensus in QCA, a percentage agreement satisfies the requirement for consensus among research subjects; as a rule of thumb an 80% agreement denotes high consensus among subjects. Another method experts use to measure consensus, Nominal Group Technique involves brainstorming and voting to reach consensus.

Following the below listed steps for QCA after reviewing recent research which expounds on the chosen topic prepares researchers for analysis and the writing process.

1. Propose research questions that help to explain how the project fits in with recent research. What theories can be used to guide your

research? Are there concepts to further explain?

2. Expand the list of questions by asking: Who are the research subjects? What makes the research subject different from potential

participants? How does the project utilize the framework of the organization or mainstream news source? How have you interacted with

other participants?

3. List Categories. This list can be used to separate sections of the project.

4. To add a few more questions to your list, complete a measurement of a variable. Again, in qualitative research experts measure consensus,

impact, support, etc. This is a necessary step.

5. Review your data. Complete a phase of reduction of info that does not help to describe or expand the featured theory.

6. Write out conclusions by completing data analysis.

7. Write a few notes that analyze the research. Note connected concepts and themes. Make notes about challenges you faced. Type the

notes.

8. Begin your writing process. Use concepts, categories, and methods to separate the sections.

In Progress

Consider the natural environment of your proposed research topic. Is this an online, academic, or professional environment? If it is possible for you to connect with other members in the environment, make an attempt to ask questions about recent events.

Also, learn who the important figures surrounding the organization or mainstream news source are. How long has this figure been a stakeholder? Are there debates?

Getting the most out of your research entails proposing research questions that explore major concepts and themes from theories used to reach conclusions about the chosen topic. Using QCA to assess the framework of organizations or mainstream news sources informs researchers of pertinent issues and debates related to the topic. Expect more.

As categories emerge from the theory explored or presented framework, researchers should use the categories to further guide the research and writing process. The skilled researcher becomes familiar with key concepts and categories while continually assessing the framework; clear definition of concepts and application of categories refines the research process. Noting how certain meanings change over time in settings or when language is used to manipulate situations elucidates encountered categories.

Then, completing a ‘measurement’ of a factor that influences your research advances your assessment; this measurement is an important step for inference from data analysis. Qualitative research measures consensus, support, impact, etc. These factors could possibly provide a clue about the conditions of the QCA (Steinus 2017).

Review your data to conclude your research, highlighting the most pertinent information. A few notes on your research process will help you to organize your data, and revisit connections or any challenges that occurred during your assessment. Finally, begin your writing process using categories and methods to separate your sections.

Sources:

-Atkinson, Joshua (2016). “Qualitative Methods.” Journey Into Social Activism.

Fordham University Press. https://www.jstor.org.stable/j.ctt1hfr0rk.6

-Steinus, Kerstin (2017). "How to Write Publishable Qualitative Research." Publishing Addiction Science. Ubiquity Press.