Types of Category in the Analysis of Content

In any research project, categorising responses for interpretation is a crucial step. This involves the reduction of the complexity of a data set and allows clarity of interpretation. In structured techniques, the researcher often determines or assumes the nature of the categories in advance, and respondents are then asked to choose one from a range of provided options (e.g., Yes/No; a point on a scale). In less structured techniques, the researcher assesses the responses of the participants (or, assesses the content expressed in some medium), decides what categories are appropriate and which of the resulting options is appropriate to a given element of data. In both scenarios, the role of the criteria for category membership – the data that need to be recruited in order to license a given interpretation – is central.