Glenn A. Bowen
2009.8.3Qualitative Research Journal
tlooto Summary
The nature and forms of documents are described, the advantages and limitations of document analysis are outlined, and specific examples of the use of documents in the research process are offered.
Abstract
This article examines the function of documents as a data source in qualitative research and discusses document analysis procedure in the context of actual research experiences. Targeted to research novices, the article takes a nuts‐and‐bolts approach to document analysis. It describes the nature and forms of documents, outlines the advantages and limitations of document analysis, and offers specific examples of the use of documents in the research process. The application of document analysis to a grounded theory study is illustrated.
Citation format
BOWEN, Glenn A. Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 2009, 9: 27–40.