Qualitative research: discourse analysis versus content analysis

Considering the increasing interest in qualitative research in Nursing, we consider it relevant to know the different approaches to this analysis. This article has the objective to discuss the two kinds of approach often used in qualitative research, which is sometimes confused. A theoretical foundation is presented, in which Discourse Analysis and Content Analysis show the differences between the two forms of analysis. The main difference is that discourse analysis works with the meaning of the discourse, and content analysis works with the content of the text This study's theoretical option for Content Analysis follows the French approach, which has Pecheux as its precursor and the content analysis is based on Laurence Bardin.