General information about document analysis

Document analysis is a form of content analysis. It is a non-reactive method of data collection, which means that the collected data does not constitute a reaction to the questions being put by the evaluator. During the course of document analysis, various sources of information, such as specialist literature or other texts, are used. These sources provide the type of information which is relevant to a particular question (cf. Tergan, 2000).

Required resources
The level of resources required depends on how comprehensive the material to be analysed is and in how much detail it is to be analysed. Usually, an analysis scheme needs to  be developed (e.g. a category system for the content analysis).

Advantages
The advantage of conducting a document analysis is that it does not depend on the availability or participation of certain groups of people. Furthermore, document analysis also allows material to  be gathered which is not included in tests, questionnaires or observations.

Disadvantages
It is possible that there are no existing documents on certain issues, or that the documents to be analysed are not up-to-date or complete.