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
Crime
Contact with
CJS
Impact
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
Wendy
Bob
Jim
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
Jim
Bob
Wendy
Theft
Contact with Impact
police
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-britishgambling-prevalence-survey-2007
• The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study: Qualitative
Study
• http://www.natcen.ac.uk/study/drug-treatment-outcomes-researchstudy
Thank you
www.natcen.ac.uk