Result summarisation using Nvivo,framework matrices

By Priya Chetty on September 14, 2017

Framework matrices helps to summarize results of Sources material. They provide a grid in the form of rows and columns to condense source materials. A framework matrices grid is displayed in the below figure. Here, the rows represent the case nodes (interviews) and the column represents the themes nodes.

Layout of framework matrices
Figure 1: Layout of framework matrices

Each cell of the grid represents the intersection of a node and case. Add text in each cell about the intersection of concerned node and case. Summarizing sources in this way helps to condense large volumes of interviews into manageable quantities. This view can helps to gain insight and familiarity with your data.

Creating Framework Matrices

To create framework matrices:

    1. Click on Main Menu (Sources).
    2. Framework Matrices.
    3. Move the cursor in workplace (center).
    4. Right click at the workplace.
    5. Select New Framework Matrices.
To create new framework matrices in Nvivo
Figure 2: Create new framework matrices in Nvivo

After selecting ‘New Framework Matrices’ a dialogue box will appear as shown in the figure below.

Step 1: Name the Framework Matrices in dialogue box

Dialogue box of "New Framework Matrices"
Figure 3: Dialogue box of “New Framework Matrices”

The dialogue box contains three steps:

    • General: Name it in the dialogue box
    • Rows: Assign Case Nodes and attribute to the Rows and Row Headers
    • Columns: Assign Theme Nodes to the Columns

Give an appropriate name to the new framework. In the case research, the teacher’s preferences and Teacher’s ability (Theme Nodes) for three interviewees (Case Nodes), against their experience (Attribute) is examined. This framework can be named as ‘Matrices for teacher’s teaching preference’.

Step 2: Assign Case Nodes and Attribute to the Rows

Furthermore, in the rows section, select the concerned Case Nodes for the matrices. To examine three interviewees, select the Case Nodes of the concerned interviewees in ‘Selected Cases’ box by clicking on ‘Select’ as shown below.

Step 2 of creating New Framework Matrices in Nvivo
Figure 4: Step 2 of creating New Framework Matrices in Nvivo

A window named ‘Select Project Item’ will appear. Select the Case Nodes for Matrices. Furthermore, select three concerned interviewees and click on ‘OK’

Figure 5 Select Project Items for Framework Matrices in Nvivo
Figure 5: Select Project Items for Framework Matrices in Nvivo.

Under ‘Row header attribute’, select concerned attribute for the framework as shown below. As stated above, three interviewees based on experience in teaching are examined here. Select the ‘Experience’ Attribute in ‘Selected Attribute’ box as shown below. A window named ‘Select Project Item’ will appear to select the Attribute for Matrices (Figure 7).

Figure 6 To Add Attribute in Row Header in New Framework Matrices Dialogue Box
Figure 6: To Add Attribute in Row Header in New Framework Matrices dialogue box

Here select the concerned Attribute ‘Experience’ and click on ‘OK’ (Figure 7).

Figure 7 Select Project Items for Framework Matrices in Nvivo
Figure 7 Select Project Items for Framework Matrices in Nvivo

The resultant window will appear as shown below.

Figure 8 Assigned Rows and Rows Header in Framework Matrices
Figure 8: Assigned Rows and Rows Header in Framework Matrices

Step 3: Assign Theme Nodes to the Columns

Under ‘Column’, select the concerned Theme Nodes for the matrices. Aim is to examine three interviewees on the basis of Teacher’s preferences and Teacher’s ability. Select the Theme Nodes of interviewees in ‘Selected Theme Nodes’ as shown below.  For that click on ‘Select’.

Figure 9: Step 3 at New Framework Matrices in Nvivo
Figure 9: Step 3 at New Framework Matrices in Nvivo

A new window ‘Select Project Item’ will appear. Select the Theme Nodes for Matrices as shown below.

Figure 10: Select Project Items for Framework Matrices in Nvivo
Figure 10: Select ‘Project Items’ for Framework Matrices in Nvivo

Here select three concerned interviewees and click on ‘OK’ as shown above. After clicking on ‘OK’, the below window will appear. In addition, click on ‘OK’ to complete the remaining steps.

Figure 11: Assigned Columns in Framework Matrices
Figure 11: Assigned Columns in Framework Matrices

New Framework Matrices will appear as shown below.

Figure 12: New Framework Matrices appeared in detail View of Nvivo Workplace
Figure 12: New Framework Matrices appeared in Detail View of Nvivo Workplace

For a clearer view, export the matrices in MS Excel format. A new window will appear as shown below.

Figure 13: Framework Matrices Exported in MS Excel format
Figure 13: Framework Matrices Exported in MS Excel format

To add text in the columns within the framework, go back to main window. The 1st cell of grid is the intersection of nodes ‘Ability to teach’ and Case Node ‘Interview Natasha’. To add text click on the cell as shown below.

Figure 14: 1st cell of grid is the intersection of Node Ability to teach and Case Node Interview Natasha
Figure 14: 1st cell of grid is the intersection of Node Ability to teach and Case Node Interview Natasha

To add the Text in the cells, open the interview transcripts or Nodes in the Detail View. For example, open the node ‘Ability to Teach’ with the framework as shown below. Consequently, the node on ‘Ability to Teach’ carries coding of all responses for this theme.

Figure 15: Interviewees response in detail review for Adding text in Framework Matrices
Figure 15: Interviewees response in detail review for adding text in Framework Matrices

As a result, it can be seen that Natasha gives ample attention to students and invites questions from students. This indicates her ability to teach. Therefore, this information can be entered in the first cell of the grid:

“Having teaching experience of four years, Natasha states that her ability to teach well in class includes catering to each type of student queries and paying proper attention to every student”

The same text has been added in first cell as shown below.

Figure 16: Added Text in 1st cell of the grid through information in Nodes
Figure 16: Added Text in 1st cell of the grid through information in Nodes

Also, add text in 2nd cell of the grid with the help of node on ‘Preference for Teaching’. Open the node and express what Natasha has stated. Following the process, add the text in 2nd cell as shown below.

Figure 17: Added Text in 1st cell of the grid through information in Nodes
Figure 17: Added text in 1st cell of the grid through information in Nodes

Furthermore, fill information in every cell of the grid with the help of Coded Information in Nodes. After that export the framework in MS Excel format as shown below.

Figure 18 Complete Framework Matrices Exported in MS Excel format
Figure 18: Complete Framework Matrices Exported in MS Excel format

Therefore, results summarization through Reports & Extracts and the framework reflects responses made by participants in various themes. Hence, Nvivo enables researchers not only to obtain results of qualitative data but also represents graphs, maps and reports.

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