Archival Research

...

An example of a qualitative approach to content analysis is the template analysis method. Template analysis involves use of a coding template and at least 2 independent assessors must carry out the analysis to ensure in the coding process. Semiotic analysis is also a qualitative approach to content analysis and is focused on meanings of signs and symbols .e,g artifacts ,souvenirs (Dwyer et al 2012).

The pros and cons of using archival research are summed up below according to Christensen L.B et al (2015).

Advantages

Disadvantages

No interaction between researcher & study participants ,its unobtrusive .i.e findings are not influenced by what the subject feel the researcher wants to hear.

Access to some archival sources is restricted, thus limiting the sources of research

Less time consuming & expensive.

( Secondary data used is pre-existing and can be accessed even online)

Secondary data usually gathered for purposes different from the researcher’s focus ,so it might not provide the depth of information required.

Secondary data may be based on an entire population, not a single entity.(data used is more reliable for empirical research.

Subjectivity of data ,e.g from newspapers or internet. The data might not accurately reflect the course of events.

Data can be used to study trends

Data might not give insight into participants personal thinking

Archival research can be used for post graduate research in the field of social sciences, public health and history, particularly when there are time and resources constraints since it uses existing data.

---------------------------------------------------------------

References

1.Arthur J et al (2012) Research methods and Methodologies in Education, Sage Publishers

2.Christensen L.B(2015) Research methods, Design and analysis 12th Edition, Pearson Education, Boston

3.Dwyer L et al (2012) Handbook of Research Methods in Tourism, Edward Elgar Publishing, UK

4.Ghosh B.N, Chopra K (2003) A Dictionary of Research Methods, Wisdom House, Mumbai

5.Kothari C.R et al (2004) Research Methodology 2nd Revised Edition, New Age Publishers, New Delhi

6.Taylor S.J et al (2016) Introduction to Qualitative Research methods,4th Edition, Wiley Publishing, New Jersey