What is Framework?

Matt Barnard

National Centre for Social Research

Framework in context

• Two approaches to analytical process• 1 – data management/ interpretation coterminous

• 2 – data management/ interpretation distinct

• NatCen follows second approach

• Framework is a data management tool• Aim is to organise data to facilitate interpretation

• Interpretation not dependent on Framework• But some interpretation facilitated by Framework

Objectives of data management

• Primary objective

• Re-assemble ‘fractured discourse’

• Chunking

• Secondary objective

• Reduce and prioritise

• Create ‘map’ of data

Approaches to data management

• Approaches vary in how data is cut• Between cases• Within cases

• Approaches vary in mode• Manual/ paper-based• CAQDAS

• Choice depends on• Requirements of research studies• Objectives and ‘meta-questions’• Types of data

Theme-based approaches

• Data sorted by thematic categories, eg• Type of crime• Contact with police• Impact of crime

• Operationalised by• Applying codes in coloured pens• Physically cutting up data• Using CAQDAS tool for coding

Theme-based approach

CrimeContact with

CJSImpact

Case-based approaches

• Data sorted within cases• Chronology of event• Individuals previous/ current experiences of crime• Impact of crime on various areas of life

• Operationalised by• Annotating transcript• Mapping connections within case• Using mapping/ graphics software• File cards

Case-based approach

Jim

BobWendy

Theft Contact with police

Impact

Case and theme based approaches

• Data sorted both thematically and by case

• Operationalised

• Creating a grid/ matrix

• Transfer data for each case into relevant cells

Case and theme based approach

Name

Theft Contact with police

Impact

Jim

Bob

Wendy

Framework

• Developed by Jane Ritchie and Liz Spencer

• Key characteristics

• Case and theme based approach

• Hierarchy of themes and sub-themes

• Reduces data through summarisation and

synthesis

• Retains links to original data

Guidelines for entering data

• Summarise material from transcript

• Retain language

• Note page reference

• Use agreed abbreviations/ conventions

• Avoid repetition by cross referencing

What next?

• Framework provides well organised data set

• Data management not a substitute for interpretation

• Analyst bring questions to data set, answered by• Thematic analysis

• Developing typologies

• Explanatory analysis

Thematic analysis

• Categories of phenomena• Involves looking at a single theme• In Framework looking down one or more

columns• Aim to describe range and diversity• Output examples

• Sources of debt advice• Coping strategies• Significance of birth registration• Impacts of homelessness

Developing typologies

• Categories of people, cases or processes• Involves looking at themes and cases• In Framework looking down columns and

across rows• Output examples

• Types of parents with learning difficulties• Types of grant making processes• Types of outcomes of contact with drug treatment

Explanatory analysis

• Explanations of attitudes, choices or impacts• Involves looking at themes and cases• In Framework looking across rows and

comparing and contrasting rows• Output examples

• Reasons people don’t like busses• Factors influencing outcomes of contact with

treatment services• Explanations for why young people become

homeless

Framework pros and cons

• Advantages• Systematic• Comprehensive• Transparent

• Disadvantages• Time and labour intensive• Danger of become process rather than outcome

focused

References/ resources

• Ritchie, J., & Lewis, J. (2003) Qualitative Research Practice: A guide for Social Science Students and Researchers, London: Sage

• Qualitative Follow-up of the British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2007 • http://www.natcen.ac.uk/study/qualitative-follow-up-of-the-british-

gambling-prevalence-survey-2007

• The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study: Qualitative Study • http://www.natcen.ac.uk/study/drug-treatment-outcomes-research-

study

Thank you

www.natcen.ac.uk