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Framework

The Framework method for qualitative data analysis

 

NatCen developed the Framework method© in the 1980's; it is now a widely used method for qualitative data analysis (QDA) across the research world.  In March 2009 we launched our own software tool to support the Framework approach and in April 2011 we formed a partnership with QSR International, developers of the market leading QDA software NVivo. We're working together with QSR to develop new functionality in NVivo 9 to support the Framework approach. These new features have been made available in an update to NVivo 9 in September 2011.

Our partnership allows both organisations to give their customers, clients and collaborators more flexibility in the analysis of data. NatCen and QSR are ensuring that the Framework method can continue to develop and keep pace with the very latest technology. Working within NVivo's user friendly interface will provide researchers with exciting opportunities to apply the Framework approach to non-textual data such as images and audio-visual data and adopt other approaches that NVivo also supports such as discourse analysis.

Framework differs from traditional qualitative approaches to analysis as it does not rely on coding and indexing alone. The Framework method encourages you to organise and manage your research through the process of summarisation, resulting in a robust, flexible and unique matrix output which allows you to analyse your data both by case and theme.  It also assists with managing and interpreting textual data. It facilitates the systematic and comprehensive analysis of all qualitative data sets, from the straightforward through to the more complex.

Now that the functionality only previously available in FrameWork has been incorporated into NVivo 9, we have withdrawn FrameWork software from the market and it will no longer be available to purchase.   Existing FrameWork software users are being sent information on how they can transition to NVivo - including special discounted pricing and support and training. The new functionality will be made available to existing NVivo 9 users as a free update (called NVivo 9.2) which can be easily downloaded from the QSR website.

We're really excited by this partnership with QSR as it ensures that Framework can continue to develop as a method and keep pace with the very latest technology. For this reason, our researchers at NatCen are currently in the process of transitioning to NVivo.

To find out more about our new partnership and find answers to any questions you may have, please go to our Framework website or contact us at framework@natcen.ac.uk.

For more information about QSR International and NVivo software visit: www.qsrinternational.com

Frequently Asked Questions for existing FrameWork licence holders

Who are QSR and what is NVivo?

QSR International is the developer of market-leading qualitative data analysis software, NVivo, which is used by more than 500,000 users in 150 countries. NVivo is one of the leading CAQDAS packages and is used worldwide by researchers in a range of different sectors. You can see more at QSR's website.

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Why is NatCen moving to NVivo?

  • NatCen launched our own 'FrameWork' CAQDAS package in March 2009 because we were not able to find an existing package which could support the Framework method©. We were keen to ensure that our software and the Framework method could keep up to date with new technologies. We are above all else a social research organisation and given the ever increasing speed of technological change we felt it was time to search for an appropriate partnership to secure the long term future of the Framework method within a cutting edge CAQDAS environment.
  • We chose QSR because of their strong reputation for innovation, their enthusiasm for the project and their substantial technical resources and capabilities. QSR have a perpetual development cycle meaning they can keep pace with technological change. Most importantly, they understand our commitment to the Framework method and will ensure NVivo can support Framework going forward. In partnership with NatCen, QSR released an update of NVivo9 on 27 September 2011 that will support the Framework method, including the ability to work with summarised data and matrix outputs. Other features include being able to easily interchange data with applications such as IBM SPSS Statistics and bibliographic software such as EndNote.
  • First developed in 1999, NVivo is a well-established CAQDAS package. Its user friendly workspace is designed using Microsoft 2010 guidelines, so it looks familiar and is easy to learn. NVivo 9 enables you to organise and analyse data in documents, surveys, audio, video and pictures. Moving to this package will allow you to be more creative in the type of data you work with and how you approach analysis.
  • This is a major step forwards for NatCen and Framework, working with the leading software developer will ensure our methodology is accessible to a wider audience and new functionality will allow innovation and development of the Framework method such as the ability to work directly from audio, video and on line data. Our researchers at NatCen are making the transition to this software during the autumn 2011.

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What extra functionality does NVivo 9 offer that FrameWork software did not?

Moving to NVivo will also give you access to a wide range of new features enjoyed by existing NVivo researchers to help you get more out of your research. These include being able to apply the Framework method© to a wide range of other data formats including PDFs, audio, video, spreadsheets, databases and images, and using NVivo's sophisticated query tools which offer more ways to explore data, make connections and uncover patterns. Other features include being able to easily interchange data with applications such as IBM SPSS Statistics and bibliographic software such as EndNote. To learn more Click here to read, or to try a free trial of NVivo 9  Register at QSR's website.

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What will happen to existing FrameWork users?

You can continue to use your FrameWork software as normal, although you should note that NatCen will stop supporting the software in February 2012 and will not undertake any future FrameWork software development. Alternatively you can consider whether to transition from FrameWork and upgrade to NVivo 9. From 27 September 2011 when NVivo9 was updated to include new functionality to support the Framework method©, our existing customers have been  given up to 12 months to transfer from their current FrameWork software to NVivo at specially discounted prices.  Technical support for FrameWork will continue to be provided by NatCen until the end of FrameWork customers' current support agreement.

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How can I learn to use NVivo?

  • If you're new to NVivo, there are a number of ways you can see the software in action. Now the new software is available it is a good time to see if NVivo 9 is the right tool for you:
  • Watch QSR's 'introducing NVivo' video to discover how NVivo 9's features and capabilities can be used on your next project.
  • Try a free interactive eDemo of NVivo 9. QSR take you on a tour and you can ask QSR questions.
  • Read 'Get up and running with NVivo 9'. This tutorial introduces NVivo 9's workspace and key features. There are also a range of other free online resources available on their website including online help. Click here to view your options.

Or if you want to get hands on now:

  • Download a 30 day free trial. It's fully functional software that comes with a sample project that you can interact with. Register at QSR's website and you will be emailed the link to download the trial
  • QSR has a range of training and support resources available for new users of NVivo. QSR offers face to face and online NVivo 9 training workshops - from two hours to two days.

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How will I learn to use the new functionality in NVivo to support the Framework method?

QSR offers affordable NVivo training workshops both face-to-face and online. NatCen Learning is developing a training course for users of NVivo who want to understand how to conduct Framework© analyses within the software and will be running one-day courses in 'Using Framework in NVivo' from January 2012. These dates will be announced on the NatCen Learning website NatCen Learning website so please watch this link to find details of course dates and how to book. If you are a current FrameWork user and decide to transition to NVivo 9 you will be invited to a  one-day transition course in the Autumn 2011 in London at a nominal price.

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How much will it cost me to transition to NVivo 9?

Existing users of FrameWork have been notified about the availability of the updated NVivo 9 software at a significantly discounted price. FrameWork Network licence holders have been offered a discount to upgrade to NVivo Server 9, QSR's live collaboration solution. These exclusive offers will only be available for a limited time. If you are a current FrameWork licence holder and have not received a letter from us giving details of your offer please contact us immediately.

NatCen will simultaneously maintain support for FrameWork customers still covered by their support. This will enable researchers to plan the best timing for a transfer to NVivo 9 given their current research plans. FrameWork users that already have a licence for or access to NVivo 9 at their organisations will automatically receive the software update for free.

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What will happen to the FrameWork software in the future?

Our FrameWork software has been taken off the market. Through our partnership with QSR International, our existing FrameWork customers (both single user and network licence holders) have the opportunity to upgrade to NVivo 9 at a significantly discounted price.  Training and support to assist with the transition is also available. Those who chose to continue using the FrameWork software will still have the option to transition to NVivo at any time in the future. It's important to note that a discounted upgrade price is only valid for 12 months from the time the updated NVivo 9 software was released on 27 September 2011. NatCen will stop supporting the FrameWork software in February 2012 and will not undertake any future FrameWork software development.

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Nvivo-FrameWork-signpost

NatCen launched our own 'FrameWork' CAQDAS package in March 2009 because we were not able to find an existing package which could support the Framework method©. We were keen to ensure that our software and the Framework method could keep up to date with new technologies. We are above all else a social research organisation and given the ever increasing speed of technological change we felt it was time to search for an appropriate partnership to secure the long term future of the Framework method within a cutting edge CAQDAS environment.
•    We chose QSR because of their strong reputation for innovation, their enthusiasm for the project and their substantial technical resources and capabilities. QSR have a perpetual development cycle meaning they can keep pace with technological change. Most importantly, they understand our commitment to the Framework method and will ensure NVivo can support Framework going forward. In partnership with NatCen, QSR released an update of NVivo9 on 27 September 2011 that will support the Framework method, including the ability to work with summarised data and matrix outputs. Other features include being able to easily interchange data with applications such as IBM SPSS Statistics and bibliographic software such as EndNote.
•    First developed in 1999, NVivo is a well-established CAQDAS package. Its user friendly workspace is designed using Microsoft 2010 guidelines, so it looks familiar and is easy to learn. NVivo 9 enables you to organise and analyse data in documents, surveys, audio, video and pictures. Moving to this package will allow you to be more creative in the type of data you work with and how you approach analysis.
•    This is a major step forwards for NatCen and Framework, working with the leading software developer will ensure our methodology is accessible to a wider audience and new functionality will allow innovation and development of the Framework method such as the ability to work directly from audio, video and on line data. Our researchers at NatCen are making the transition to this software during the autumn 2011.

Of interest:

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