Framework was developed by Ritchie and Spencer in 1994 (see below for full reference); it is a systematic approach to data analysis which is transparent and reproducible - the data is sifted and charted according to key issues and themes to facilitate the determination of meaning, salience and connections from the data. Framework is useful when the questions of a study are clearly known and it is an approach to data analysis that has been validated in studies of this kind.  Framework has certainly provided me with a structured tool with which to undertake my data analysis.  Having already previously worked with Framework it has been useful to understand how it works  form the outset.  Listed below is a summary of the stages of Framework; I have also attached the Framework flowchart which shows how all the parts link together.

Familiarisation

- Read proposal
- Read transcripts
- Review topic guide

Identify Recurring & Important Themes

- Develop a working framework of key themes and sub-topics

Indexing

- Apply a numerical series to working framework
- Label or code transcripts numerically
- Adapt framework in light of gaps or overlap

Pilot Charting

- Chart a few transcripts using working framework
- Adapt framework in light of gaps or overlap

Charting

- Summarise / synthesise verbatim data within finalised thematic framework

Abstraction

- Analyse and theorise using NVivo 8

Investigation & Interpretation


Having got to the abstraction stage I realised that I was going to struggle to continue working with my data now that it was in the form of the charts - either electronically as spreadsheets or in A3 paper format  - too much information to try and work with in an intermittent way..........I knew I needed help and decided to look into putting my spreadsheets into NVivo 8.  NVivo 8 is QSRs latest software that is able to embed all Word format documents and also pdfs - sadly though not Excel.  However, I worked out a way to save my spreadsheets as Word docs and these can then be imported into NVivo - NVivo seems to be the answer.........

 

Framework Reference:

Ritchie J, Spencer L. Qualitative data analysis for applied policy research. In Bryman A, Burgess RG, eds. Analysing Qualitative Data, pp 173-94. London: Routledge, 1994