Three Approaches to Qualitative Content Analysis

Hsiu-Fang Hsieh; Sarah E. Shannon

doi:10.1177/1049732305276687

journal article Nov 01, 2005

Three Approaches to Qualitative Content Analysis

Hsiu-Fang Hsieh Sarah E. Shannon

Qualitative Health Research Vol. 15 No. 9 pp. 1277-1288 · SAGE Publications

View at Publisher Save 10.1177/1049732305276687

Abstract

Content analysis is a widely used qualitative research technique. Rather than being a single method, current applications of content analysis show three distinct approaches: conventional, directed, or summative. All three approaches are used to interpret meaning from the content of text data and, hence, adhere to the naturalistic paradigm. The major differences among the approaches are coding schemes, origins of codes, and threats to trustworthiness. In conventional content analysis, coding categories are derived directly from the text data. With a directed approach, analysis starts with a theory or relevant research findings as guidance for initial codes. A summative content analysis involves counting and comparisons, usually of keywords or content, followed by the interpretation of the underlying context. The authors delineate analytic procedures specific to each approach and techniques addressing trustworthiness with hypothetical examples drawn from the area of end-of-life care.

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Details

Published: Nov 01, 2005
Vol/Issue: 15(9)
Pages: 1277-1288
License: View

Authors

H

Hsiu-Fang Hsieh

Fooyin University, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan

S

Sarah E. Shannon

University of Washington, Seattle

Cite This Article

Hsiu-Fang Hsieh, Sarah E. Shannon (2005). Three Approaches to Qualitative Content Analysis. Qualitative Health Research, 15(9), 1277-1288. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732305276687

Three Approaches to Qualitative Content Analysis

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