Analysis and methodological application of frame analysis in news media from the qualitative perspective

Frame analysis is among the methods used for media studies. Following the publication of a paper by Robert Antman in 1993 paper, frame analysis has become an important method. Since Goffman introduced the concept of frame analysis and Antman applied it in the field of mass media analysis, researchers have used this method to understand how information is presented by print as well as other media outlets. Today, frame analysis conducted by Matthew Nisbet, has taken a new direction and is used in areas such as science communication and reflection on environmental problems, climate change, scientific issues, etc. Studies that have used frame analysis as a methodology, have benefited from various theoretical and methodological approaches, which have led to different practical definitions, and most of them have been experimental and specific to the objectives of the related study. This article aims to present a general formulation about qualitative frame analysis in news media, which begins by differentiating it from the quantitative and critical review and the qualitative approach, and recognizing the types of "hermeneutic or qualitative", "manual holistic", "reductionist" frame analysis and "linguistic and computer-oriented" and the weak and strong characteristics of both of them. Then, the relationship between frame analysis and other methods such as discourse analysis and content analysis have been discussed, and finally, their use has been explored in the research process.