Using Personal Ads and Online Self-Help Groups to Teach Content Analysis in a Research Methods Course

Abstract

This paper describes methods for teaching content analysis as part of the Research sequence in social work education. Teaching content analysis is used to develop research skills as well as to promote students' knowledge and critical thinking and about new information technology resources that are being increasingly used by the general public. The rationale and teaching methods for two assignments, one related to content analysis of Singles Ads and one focusing on analysis of an online self-help group, are presented. Additional areas for content analysis are suggested.

Key Words:

• Content analysis
• education
• research
• qualitative research
• Internet
• self-help