Abstract




Changing the Latitudes and Attitudes about Content Analysis Research

Eve Brank
University of Florida
(ebrank@ufl.edu)

Kate Fox
University of Florida
(katefox@ufl.edu)

Tasha Youstin
John Jay College of Criminal Justice -CUNY
(uftasha@ufl.edu)

Lee Boeppler
University of Florida
(boeppler@ufl.edu)


Abstract:
The current research employs the use of content analysis to teach research methods concepts among students enrolled in an upper division research methods course. Students coded and analyzed Jimmy Buffett song lyrics rather than using a downloadable database or collecting survey data. Students’ knowledge of content analysis concepts increased after a lecture on the topic of content analysis, but they further improved after participating in the song coding, data cleaning, and writing of results. Additionally, students reported high satisfaction with the project and believed it was an interesting and enjoyable technique for learning about research methods. We provide suggestions for incorporating similar data collection activities in undergraduate research methods courses.






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