Content analysis: a methodology for hypermedia design

Content analysis consists of five main stages: (1) determine the objectives; (2) define the unit of analysis; (3) construct categories for analysis; (4) test the coding to assess reliability; and (5) conduct the analysis. To start with, text and graphics are entered into a hypertext system, but no links have been made. The author is now faced with the task of analysing the information on the screen. This task is analogous to content analysis as typically performed on non-electronic, open-ended information. This framework could usefully support the construction of hypertext, as it allows the author to place some degree of objective structure on the information. To assist in this task, the system contains a hierarchy of keywords and phrases that have been entered into the database. First, the author picks an object from the screen. Second he classifies the object into either text, sound, graphic or movie. Third, he indicates which of the associated keywords is appropriate to the context under analysis. Fourth, he rates the 'strength of association' of this object. Keywords would also need to be defined. The author may also choose alternative classifications and/or add new ones.