Disadvantages of content analysis

Content analysis suffers from several disadvantages, both theoretical and procedural. In particular, content analysis:

• can be extremely time consuming
• is subject to increased error, particularly when relational analysis is used to attain a higher level of interpretation
• attempts too liberally to draw meaningful inferences about the relationships and impacts implied in a study which become irrelevant.
• is inherently reductive, particularly when dealing with complex texts
• often disregards the context that produced the text, as well as the state of things after the text is produced, in this case tries to find meaning beyond the obvious practicality.

I must be careful not to fall into the trap of these disadvantages as it is all too easy to read too much into and waffle on about a project whilst overlooking the obvious. I will suggest possible relationships and themes without going into too much detail. My content analysis will be used primarily for organisation and presenting my findings.

Methods of research...

In our last session we discussed the possible methods of research we could use. For my project I intend to use a wide range of resources, including interview and secondary research into architectural projects. However most of my work will be my own personal development of a project inspired from the natural forms I come across in my research.

Content analysis:

"The process of organising written, audio, or visual information into categories and themes related to the central questions of the study. This approach is especially useful in product analysis and document analysis."
www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/glossary.php

This shall be particularly useful for me since I am looking into several categories, such as the process of design, inspiration from natural structures, and to what extent this is used in architecture. I can use this method to separate these findings and use it to analyse my own project. I can also use this analytical technique to infer meaning beyond text and interviews. 

Using conceptual analysis I will be able to identify whether there a certain theme or root of inspiration for my chosen projects- for example, arches.
Using relational analysis begins with identifying a theme but then seeks to go beyond by exploring the relationships between the themes and assessing to what extent and how these themes interact. Relational analysis on arches will look into why an arch was used and what aesthetic and practical qualities make it work and whether there any links between this arch and other arches used in both architecture and nature.