Framework analysis is a qualitative research method used to analyze large volumes of textual data. It’s particularly useful when you have a predefined research objective but still want to explore themes and patterns that emerge from the data. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps in framework analysis:
1. Familiarization
- Objective: To immerse yourself in the data.
- Process: Review transcripts, notes, or documents to gain a comprehensive understanding of the content. This could involve reading through transcripts multiple times or listening to audio recordings.
- Outcome: A broad sense of the key ideas and issues.
2. Identifying a Thematic Framework
- Objective: To identify key issues, concepts, and themes.
- Process: Start by identifying a list of themes or categories based on the research questions or objectives. These can be derived from the literature, the research questions, or issues that arise from the data.
- Outcome: A set of themes that will be used to index the data.
3. Indexing
- Objective: To systematically apply the thematic framework to the data.
- Process: Go through the data and apply the thematic framework. This involves coding sections of the data by marking it with references to the relevant themes.
- Outcome: Data is organized under relevant themes.
4. Charting
- Objective: To organize the data into a coherent framework.
- Process: Summarize the data from each theme in a matrix or chart, allowing for easy comparison across cases or themes. The data is often placed into columns (themes) and rows (cases or participants).
- Outcome: A chart or matrix that visually organizes the data.
5. Mapping and Interpretation
- Objective: To interpret the data and develop key insights.
- Process: Use the charts and thematic frameworks to look for patterns, connections, and deeper meanings. This could involve identifying relationships between themes, exploring variations, or developing a narrative around the data.
- Outcome: A set of findings that address the research objectives and provide insights into the data.
Application of Framework Analysis
Framework analysis is widely used in applied policy research, health research, and other fields where practical outcomes are needed. It allows researchers to maintain an audit trail of how data is interpreted and ensures that the analysis is transparent and systematic.
