Which of the following are positive features of content analysis?
(A) It does not need sampling of contents.
(B) It is an unobtrusive method.
(C) It is highly flexible in character.
(D) It is a transparent research method.
(E) There is no need to use it for longitudinal research.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Content analysis is a systematic research method used to study and interpret textual, visual, or audio data by identifying patterns, themes, and meanings. It has several positive features, but some statements in the question are incorrect.

1. It is an unobtrusive method (B) –  Correct

   • Content analysis does not require direct interaction with subjects, making it a non-intrusive research method.
   • It analyzes existing documents, media, speeches, or social media content without affecting the subjects' behavior.

2. It is highly flexible in character (C) –  Correct

   • Content analysis can be applied to both qualitative and quantitative research.
   • It can be used across disciplines, including media studies, sociology, psychology, and political science.

3. It is a transparent research method (D) –  Correct

   • The process of content analysis is systematic and replicable, ensuring transparency in research.
   • Coding schemes and classification criteria allow for objective analysis.

Information Booster 

• (A) It does not need sampling of contents –  Incorrect

  • Content analysis does require sampling, especially when analyzing large datasets such as newspapers, social media posts, or historical documents.
  • Researchers select representative samples for meaningful analysis.

• (E) There is no need to use it for longitudinal research –  Incorrect

  • Content analysis can be used for longitudinal studies by analyzing changes in content over time.
  • Example: Examining media coverage of climate change over decades.