what is framework? matt barnard national centre for social research
TRANSCRIPT
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