Doing Document Analysis

Synopsis

Uniting methods from disciplines across the social sciences and humanities, this hands-on guide develops a novel approach to doing document analysis. The authors present a framework for studying documents that enables you to conduct a rich and systematic analysis of documents in all their diversity.

Focussing on document analysis both in practice and as practice, the book provides you with an innovative and versatile toolkit for analysing print and digital documents. It also:

• Highlights the impacts of digitalisation on documents themselves and the methods used to study them
• Has a strong focus on research ethics and critical engagement with digital sources
• Offers practical guidance on preparing and doing a document analysis research project.

The book offers insightful perspectives both on the indispensable role of documents in our society and practical advice on how you can best analyse documents and their significance. 

Summary

Chapter 1: Document Analysis: A Multipurpose Tool

* Introduces document analysis as a flexible approach to research that can be applied in various fields.
* Real example: A study using newspaper articles to analyze public discourse about immigration in Germany.

Chapter 2: Types of Documents and Data

* Describes different types of documents (e.g., texts, images, artifacts) and the data they contain.
* Real example: A study using official records to track the number of prisoners in the United States over time.

Chapter 3: The Documentary Method

* Explains the documentary method, a systematic process for analyzing documents.
* Real example: A study using letters, diaries, and other personal documents to reconstruct the experiences of African American slaves.

Chapter 4: Reading and Interpreting Documents

* Provides guidance on how to read and interpret documents, considering their context and limitations.
* Real example: A study using newspaper editorials to examine the evolution of attitudes towards women's suffrage.

Chapter 5: Coding and Categorizing Data

* Describes techniques for coding and categorizing data from documents to facilitate analysis.
* Real example: A study using machine learning to categorize historical documents based on their subject matter.

Chapter 6: Representing and Synthesizing Data

* Discusses methods for representing and synthesizing data from documents, such as tables, graphs, and narratives.
* Real example: A study using a database to combine information from multiple historical texts to create a comprehensive dataset.

Chapter 7: Validity and Reliability

* Emphasizes the importance of ensuring the validity and reliability of document analysis research.
* Real example: A study that triangulated data from different sources (e.g., census records, interviews, and local newspaper articles) to corroborate findings.

Chapter 8: Ethics and Document Analysis

* Addresses ethical considerations in document analysis, such as respect for privacy and the responsible use of sensitive information.
* Real example: A study that anonymized participants' names and used pseudonyms to protect their identities.

Chapter 9: Document Analysis and Social Justice

* Explores how document analysis can be used to advance social justice and address issues such as inequality and discrimination.
* Real example: A study using historical documents to uncover systemic racism in the criminal justice system.

Chapter 10: The Future of Document Analysis

* Discusses emerging technologies and trends in document analysis, such as artificial intelligence and digital humanities.
* Real example: A study using natural language processing to analyze online documents and track the spread of misinformation.