contextual analysis
any method of evaluating data that takes into account the characteristics of the environment in which the information was collected and their influence upon study units (e.g., behavior). For example, a contextual analysis of data gathered from an experimental study conducted in a laboratory would take into account the effects of the laboratory itself on study participants, whereas one conducted in a public setting would account for the effects of that environment on the participants. The data gathered (i.e., participant responses) from the different environments would likely be revealed to be quite different as well.