Margrit Schreier et al. (2019)
Introduces an FQS special issue mapping core debates and practice challenges in qualitative content analysis.
This introduction frames a two-part special issue dedicated to qualitative content analysis (QCA) and explains why ongoing methodological clarification is needed. It synthesizes four active debate areas: whether QCA is hybrid or fully qualitative, how German and international QCA traditions relate, what theoretical/epistemological foundations can be identified, and persistent under-reporting of analytic procedures. By positioning Part I around conceptualizations and real-world application challenges, it highlights how plural definitions of QCA shape the problems researchers encounter and the solutions they develop. The piece is useful as a field map for readers who need to situate their own QCA approach and reporting choices within current discourse.
Editorial overview that synthesizes and organizes methodological debates and practice issues in qualitative content analysis.
Basic familiarity with qualitative research methods and the idea of content analysis/coding in social research.