Advantages and disadvantages of document analysis

Robson (2002, p358 Box 12.4) points out the advantages and disadvantages of content analysis. An advantage is that documents are unobtrusive and can be used without imposing on participants; they can be checked and re-checked for reliability. A major problem is that documents may not have been written for the same purposes as the research and therefore conclusions will not usually be possible from document analysis alone

See Robson pp348-365 for further information on document analysis