A framework matrix is a structured table used in qualitative data analysis that helps organize information such as themes, cases, participants, and concepts into a manageable and transparent format. It enables researchers and evaluators to see connections across different dimensions of their data, making sense of qualitative material in a clear and systematic way.

Key Features of Framework Matrices  #

• Rows and Columns: Typically, the rows represent either individual cases or respondents, while the columns represent key themes, variables, or dimensions.
• Cells: Each cell contains summarized notes, quotations, or coded segments pertinent to the intersection of the row and column.
• Flexibility: You can tailor the matrix to focus on themes (columns) and cases (rows), or alternative formats such as dimensions by time period, interventions by outcomes, or stakeholders by issue.
• Visualization: By viewing information in a grid, you can compare across rows and columns, spot patterns, highlight gaps, and identify relationships in the data.

Benefits of Framework Matrices  #

Framework matrices: #

• Support rigorous qualitative analysis by making it easy to compare and contrast across cases.
• Enhance transparency: others can follow how themes emerge and decisions are made.
• Help with synthesis and reporting by providing a clear structure to present findings.

Some Considerations While Using Framework Matrices

Framework matrices:  #

• Require careful design: poor theme definitions or inconsistent summarizing can reduce clarity.
• Work best with systematic coding: manual tracking without consistent rules may lead to confusion.
• Might be less useful for very large datasets unless supported by software or broken down into smaller sub-matrices.

Applications of Framework Matrices #

Framework matrices are widely used in evaluation and research contexts, especially when analyzing interviews, focus groups, and other qualitative sources where organizing complex data is essential for drawing meaningful insights. By converting rich, unstructured text into a structured table, researchers can more easily identify what’s going on, how different elements relate, and what matters most for reporting or decision-making.

List of recommended resources #

For a broad overview #

Creating Framework Matrices from Case Nodes and Theme Nodes

This post by Scalar gives an overview of framework matrices, how they are structured, and how they can be insightful for research. The post also discusses a basic framework matrix and how framework matrices are created in NVivo. 

How to Create a Framework Matrix in NVivo: Step-by-Step Tutorial

This video tutorial by Philip Adu gives a step-by-step explanation of how to create framework matrices in NVivo. The tutorial guides on how to organize themes and cases, auto-summarize data and group participants on the basis of certain demographics, among other things. 

For in-depth understanding #

Approaches to working with framework matrices

This post gives a comprehensive understanding of framework matrices along with detailed explanation of when and how to use them. 

Using framework analysis methods for qualitative research

This article by Sonja Klingberg, Renee E. Stalmeijer, and Lara Varpio provides an overview of Framework Analysis Methods and their applications, situating them within specific qualitative research approaches. The authors also illustrate how Framework Analysis Methods can be used for interpretive analyses. 

Case study  #

Use of Framework Matrix and Thematic Coding Methods in Qualitative Analysis for mHealth: The FluidCalc app

This paper compares methods of Framework Analysis with Applied Thematic Analysis for mobile health (mHealth) research. The same qualitative data were analyzed separately using each methodology. The methods, utility, and results of each are compared, and recommendations made for their effective use. 

Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health research

This study by Nicola K Gale, Gemma Heath, Elaine Cameron, Sabina Rashid and Sabi Redwood discusses when it is appropriate to adopt the Framework Method and explains the procedure for using it in multi-disciplinary health research teams, or those that involve clinicians, patients and lay people.

References #

Framework matrices 

Understanding Framework Analysis