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.