The process of analyzing content to identify patterns or themes is known as:

The correct answer is content analysis. This method involves systematically examining various forms of content, such as written text, images, or media, to identify recurring themes, patterns, or specific characteristics. Researchers use content analysis to quantify and analyze the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts within the material, which helps them uncover insights about social phenomena.

This analytical technique is particularly valuable in sociology for studying cultural trends, media representations, and communication patterns, as it allows researchers to draw conclusions from the data in a structured and reproducible manner. By categorizing and interpreting these identified patterns, researchers can derive meaningful conclusions about societal attitudes and behaviors as expressed in various content forms.