Background
Today I am going to talk about the framework method for qualitative data analysis. The framework method for the management and analysis of qualitative data originated in large-scale social policy research and has been used since the 1980’s (Ritchie & Lewis, 2003). The framework method can be used to identify similarities and differences between participants, for example a person with a chronic condition and their significant other.
The framework method is only a way of presenting data for analysis. The framework method is not tied to different research stances, and instead, multiple different methods of analysis, such as, phenomenology or grounded theory, can be conducted using this approach. However, some research questions may make the use of the framework method less appropriate, for example if you are interested in changes over time, the use of data presented by case and theme would not be as appropriate as a narrative analysis.
Similarly, a deductive, inductive or combined approach can be used to guide the analysis of data. To use a deductive approach, the researcher needs to have themes that they want to identify in the data, either from a previous, similar study, or a literature review, such as a meta-synthesis or systematic review. An inductive approach involves identifying themes as you read through the texts and constructing your framework as you analyze the data. A combination approach might involve using a deductive approach and being open and reflective to new themes appearing in your data, adding these into your framework as you analyze the data, or applying a per-existing theory to the themes you generated through an inductive approach.
The framework method of data management allows data to be reduced into a matrix output of rows and columns. Rows represent cases (different participants or different interviews/focus groups) whilst columns represent different themes or concepts identified in the raw data. In each cell, the researcher can summarize data and/or quotes from the raw text.
This is how a framework analysis should look. Data is fictional for example only.
| Identity | Stigma | Mood | |
| Interview 1 – Person with chronic condition | 10-15 Changed self
155-177 Identity depends on situation 200-210 Denial |
76-78 Name calling
100-110 Use of mobility aid– conscious of others thoughts |
50-55 Low mood – tied to stigma |
| Interview 2 – Significant other | 16-18 Perceived changes to the other persons identity |
35-38 Can see stigma has an effect on the other person 40-56 Sees self as older due to the other persons condition |
60-65 – Recognizes low mood in other person- has an effect on their mood |
This presentation of data allows for themes to be interpreted across a data set whilst being connected to the context in which the theme was identified, the individual participant or focus group. In this way, you can similarities and differences between participant groups or within themes can be identified.
How do I conduct the framework method?
According to Gale (2013), there are 7 stages to data analysis using the framework method.
- Transcription – as with any qualitative exploration, you will need to transcribe the data. For this approach a verbatim (word by word) transcription works well.
- Familiarization with the interview – It is important to become familiar with the text you are analyzing. Immersion in the data can ensure an accurate data analysis
- Coding – After familiarizing yourself with the data, you can begin to code your data. This involves reading the transcript line by line and applying ‘codes’ to passages in the data. In a deductive approach, you will seek data which corresponds with your per-defined themes. In an inductive approach you will use open coding, coding information that you think is relevant based on your epistemological stance and your research question.
- Developing a working analytical framework – Here you develop your framework for analysis and based on the codes you have identified.
- Applying the analytical framework – Once you have your framework developed, you need to apply this to other data that you may have.
- Charting data into the framework matrix – Now you need to enter the data from the transcription into the framework. To further your understanding of the data, it is important that you enter summaries of the data rather than quotes.
- Interpreting the data – Now you need to interpret the data. This stage will depend on which method of analysis you choose to use.
Benefits of using this approach
The method is easy to follow with clear instructions to gathering data and produces highly structured summarized data allowing for members of a multidisciplinary team to work on the same project. The method is becomingly increasingly popular in health and medical research (Gale, Heath, Cameron, Rashid, & Redwood, 2013). Applied medical research often has clinical representation, engaging multidisciplinary members of a research team, as well as increased patient and public involvement (PPI, Ives, Damery, & Redwood, 2013), the framework method of data analysis and management allows a skilled qualitative researcher to lead the analysis whilst receiving input from a wider research and stakeholder team. Whilst the management and analysis of data can use the input of any member of the research or PPI team, the generation of themes and the interpretation of the data require qualitative analysis skills. The method of interpretation of thematic or qualitative content of data is often guided by the epistemological stance of the researcher.
References
Gale, K. N., Heath, G., Cameron, E., Rashid, S., & Redwood, S. (2013). Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health research. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 13(117), 1-8.
Ives, J., Damery, S., & Redwood, S. (2013). PPI, paradoxes and Plato: Who’s sailing the ship? Journal of Medical Ethics, 39(3), 181-185.
Ritchie, J., & Lewis, J. (2003). Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers. London: Sage.
