Content Analysis Procedures (content + analysis_procedure)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Obama on the Stump: Features and Determinants of a Rhetorical Approach

PRESIDENTIAL STUDIES QUARTERLY, Issue 3 2010
KEVIN COE
From the moment Barack Obama entered the national political scene in 2004, his formidable rhetorical skills were a central component of his public persona and his political success. Not surprisingly, a growing body of research has examined Obama's rhetorical techniques. Thus far, however, these studies have consisted almost entirely of qualitative analyses of single speeches, making it difficult to generalize about the broader features of Obama's rhetorical approach and impossible to understand the determinants of his rhetorical choices. This study fills these gaps in the literature by systematically tracking Obama's rhetoric over the course of campaign 2008 and testing competing explanations for the variation that occurs during this period. Using a unique computer-assisted content analysis procedure that draws coding categories directly from the more than 11,500 distinct words that Obama used during his campaign, the authors analyze 183 speeches and debates from his announcement of candidacy in February 2007 to his victory speech in November 2008. Obama's campaign rhetoric varied by speaking context, geography, and poll position, indicating a twofold rhetorical approach of emphasizing policy and thematic appeals while downplaying more contentious issues. [source]


The Quality of Content Analyses of State Student Achievement Tests and Content Standards

EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT: ISSUES AND PRACTICE, Issue 4 2008
Andrew C. Porter
This article examines the reliability of content analyses of state student achievement tests and state content standards. We use data from two states in three grades in mathematics and English language arts and reading to explore differences by state, content area, grade level, and document type. Using a generalizability framework, we find that reliabilities for four coders are generally greater than .80. For the two problematic reliabilities, they are partly explained by an odd rater out. We conclude that the content analysis procedures, when used with at least five raters, provide reliable information to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners about the content of assessments and standards. [source]


Smoking after the age of 65 years: a qualitative exploration of older current and former smokers' views on smoking, stopping smoking, and smoking cessation resources and services

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 6 2006
Susan Kerr BA MSc PhD RN HV
Abstract The aim of this study was to explore older current/former smokers' views on smoking, stopping smoking, and smoking cessation resources and services. Despite the fact that older smokers have been identified as a priority group, there is currently a dearth of age-related smoking cessation research to guide practice. The study adopted a qualitative approach and used the health belief model as a conceptual framework. Twenty current and former smokers aged , 65 years were recruited through general practices and a forum for older adults in the West of Scotland. Data were collected using a semistructured interview schedule. The audio-taped interviews were transcribed and then analysed using content analysis procedures. Current smokers reported many positive associations with smoking, which often prevented a smoking cessation attempt. The majority were aware that smoking had damaged their health; however, some were not convinced of the association. A common view was that ,the damage was done', and therefore, there was little point in attempting to stop smoking. When suggesting a cessation attempt, while some health professionals provided good levels of support, others were reported as providing very little. Some of the participants reported that they had never been advised to stop smoking. Knowledge of local smoking cessation services was generally poor. Finally, concern was voiced regarding the perceived health risks of using nicotine replacement therapy. The main reasons why the former smokers had stopped smoking were health-related. Many had received little help and support from health professionals when attempting to stop smoking. Most of the former smokers believed that stopping smoking in later life had been beneficial to their health. In conclusion, members of the primary care team have a key role to play in encouraging older people to stop smoking. In order to function effectively, it is essential that they take account of older smokers' health beliefs and that issues, such as knowledge of smoking cessation resources, are addressed. [source]


Promoting the health of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: patients' and carers' views

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 3-4 2010
Ann Caress
Aims and objectives., The aim of this study was to generate in-depth insights into patients' and family members' understanding of the causation, progression and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the role of health promotion with this population. In particular, we were interested in identifying the ways patients and family members considered that they could maximise their (patients') health, in the presence of this disease. Background., Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is highly prevalent and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, impacting on quality of life and healthcare expenditure. Health promotion is, therefore, an important consideration. There are few examples in the literature of health promotion programmes for this population, including those directed at smoking cessation, which also focus on the family or significant others. Design., An exploratory, descriptive design was employed. Method., Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted with 14 patients and 12 family caregivers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using content analysis procedures which captured the meaning of the data. Results., The three main themes were ,health promotion: what's that?', ,community resources for health promotion' and ,it wasn't just the smoking'. Many participants seemed unaware that their health might benefit from a healthier life style and provided little spontaneous information on any activities they carried out to maintain or improve their health. Conclusions., This study highlighted a dearth of health promoting activity amongst people affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The reality for most patients was to manage the day-to-day demands that the symptoms of the disease imposed on them. Our data suggest that a more wide-ranging approach, encompassing aspects of health promotion, might be welcomed by many patients and their family carers. Relevance to clinical practice., The findings from this study highlight gaps in patients' and carers' understanding of the potential role of health promotion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and areas for intervention by health professionals. With the increase in smoking rates of women and predicted future increases in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it is imperative that health professionals find effective ways to provide support and health promotive care for patients and families. [source]