HOW TO DEVELOP A FRAMEWORK MANUALLY FROM QUALITATIVE INTERVIEW DATA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6i4.767Keywords:
conceptual framework, qualitative research, interview data, manual analysis, thematic synthesisAbstract
Framework development in qualitative research is the systematic categorisation and interpretation of information or data to construct a conceptual structure which can be presented to explain relationships between emerging themes. However, the prevailing trend to use advanced software tools to analyse qualitative data poses several challenges for many researchers, especially those who consider those tools nonintuitive, resource-consuming, or not well-suited for their specific depth of inquiry. The objective of this review is to outline a structured, manual process for developing a conceptual framework grounded in interview data, highlighting each analytical stage from data familiarisation to thematic synthesis and framework construction. This review is a narrative review that discusses the processes involved in manually constructing a conceptual framework using the interview data in qualitative research. In qualitative research, especially in research where interviews are methods for data collection, the formation of a conceptual framework is a systematic process of inquiry that is rooted in the experiences of the participants and reflects the aggregated data. The process typically unfolds in four sequential but iterative steps: (a) data familiarisation; (b) initial coding and categorisation; (c) theme development; and (d) framework construction. In conclusion, the manual process of constructing conceptual frameworks from qualitative interview data is a methodically rigorous, context-dependent way of ensuring that the researcher remains deeply connected with their data whilst also generating organised and meaningful knowledge. For future research, researchers may wish to consider an in-depth comparison of manual and software-assisted frame build-up to test the applicability of manual methods to different disciplines and cultural contexts.
References
[1] Agel, M., Scambler, S., Hosey, M.T. (2021): Parental views on minimally invasive dentistry versus general anaesthesia extractions of children’s compromised first permanent molars: An exploratory qualitative study. – Primary Dental Journal 10(4): 27-32.
[2] Akmalia, F. (2024): Qualitative literacy: A guide to evaluating ethnographic and interview research. – The Qualitative Report 29(8): 2400-2403.
[3] Arar, K., Guajardo, M., Saiti, A., Abo-Zaed Arar, E. (2025): Relational assurance in higher education in the knowledge technology era: The case of postgraduate program of educational leadership. – Power and Education 17(1): 1-19.
[4] Benlahcene, A., Ramdani, A. (2021): The process of qualitative interview: Practical insights for novice researchers. – In C.S. Mustaffa, M.K. Ahmad, N. Yusof, M.B. Mohd Hadza@Othman, N. Tugiman (Eds.): Breaking the Barriers, Inspiring Tomorrow: European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences, European Publisher 110: 405-413.
[5] Bonar, J. (2023): Everyday educational life of younger school age students during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. – Nauki o Wychowaniu: Studia Interdyscyplinarne 17(2): 88-102.
[6] Brinkmann, S. (2022): Qualitative interviewing. – Oxford University Press 177p.
[7] Campbell, K.A., Orr, E., Durepos, P., Nguyen, L., Li, L., Whitmore, C., Gehrke, P., Graham, L., Jack, S.M. (2021): Reflexive thematic analysis for applied qualitative health research. – The Qualitative Report 26(6): 2011-2028.
[8] Canfell, O.J., Davidson, K., Sullivan, C., Eakin, E.E., Burton-Jones, A. (2022): PREVIDE: A qualitative study to develop a decision-making framework (PREVention decIDE) for noncommunicable disease prevention in healthcare organisations. – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(22): 16p.
[9] Cheron, C., Salvagni, J., Colomby, R.K. (2022): The qualitative approach interview in administration: A guide for researchers. – Revista de Administração Contemporânea 26: 15p.
[10] Chong, S.L. (2022): Interviewing in qualitative research. – The Malaysian Journal of Qualitative Research, 8(1): 110-116.
[11] Damschroder, L.J., Reardon, C.M., Widerquist, M.A.O., Lowery, J. (2022): The updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research based on user feedback. – Implementation Science 17(1): 16p.
[12] Daniel, B.K., Asil, M., Carr, S. (2024): Psychometric properties of the TACT framework-Determining rigor in qualitative research. – Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics 8: 10p.
[13] De Villiers, C., Farooq, M.B., Molinari, M. (2022): Qualitative research interviews using online video technology–challenges and opportunities. – Meditari Accountancy Research 30(6): 1764-1782.
[14] Dursun, B. (2023): A qualitative research technique: Interview. – Disiplinlerarası Eğitim Araştırmaları Dergisi 7(14): 100-113.
[15] Edwards, R., Holland, J. (2020): Reviewing challenges and the future for qualitative interviewing. – International Journal of Social Research Methodology 23(5): 581-592.
[16] Elhami, A., Khoshnevisan, B. (2022): Conducting an interview in qualitative research: The modus operandi. – Mextesol Journal 46(1): 1-7.
[17] Faff, R.W., Kernbach, S. (2021): A visualisation approach for pitching research. Accounting & Finance, 61(4): 5177-5197.
[18] Garvey, C.M., Jones, R. (2021): Is there a place for theoretical frameworks in qualitative research?. – International Journal of Qualitative Methods 20: 7p.
[19] Gerson, K., Damaske, S. (2020): The science and art of interviewing. – Oxford University Press 280p.
[20] Goldsmith, L.J. (2021): Using framework analysis in applied qualitative research. – Qualitative Report 26(6): 2061-2076.
[21] Gregory, E. (2020): Methodological challenges for the qualitative researcher: The use of a conceptual framework within a qualitative case study. – London Review of Education 18(1): 126-141.
[22] Hernandez, H.B., Dringus, L.P. (2021): The embodiment of discovery: An adapted framework for qualitative analysis of lived experiences. – The Qualitative Report 26(6): 1736-1761.
[23] Hosseini, M., Haukås, Å. (2025): Beyond macroethics: Developing an ethical framework for interview data collection and analysis to acknowledge participant rights. – Journal of Academic Ethics 19p.
[24] Im, D., Pyo, J., Lee, H., Jung, H., Ock, M. (2023): Qualitative research in healthcare: Data analysis. – Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 56(2): 100-110.
[25] Indah, R. (2022): Qualitative interview with sensitive participants. – The Indonesian Journal of Medical Education 11(1): 22-30.
[26] Jack, S.M., Orr, E., Campbell, K.A., Whitmore, C., Cammer, A. (2023): A framework for selecting data generation strategies in qualitative health research studies. – Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 36(4): 1480-1495.
[27] James, L.P., Lidums, M., Grant, M., Talpey, S.W., Comfort, P., Suchomel, T.J., Gastin, P.B., Driller, M.W. (2021): Considerations in the development of a postgraduate strength and conditioning program: insights from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. – Strength & Conditioning Journal 43(5): 116-122.
[28] Jensen, T.W., Lockey, A., Perkins, G.D., Granholm, A., Eberhard, K.E., Hasselager, A., Møller, T.P., Ersbøll, A.K., Folke, F., Lippert, A., Østergaard, D., Lippert, F. (2020): The Copenhagen Tool a research tool for evaluation of basic life support educational interventions. – Resuscitation 156: 125-136.
[29] Johnson, J.L., Adkins, D., Chauvin, S. (2020): A review of the quality indicators of rigor in qualitative research. – American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 84(1): 9p.
[30] Jones, C. (2020): Qualitative interviewing. – In D. Clough, M. Nutbrown (Eds.): Handbook for Research Students in the Social Sciences, Routledge 14p.
[31] Kaufmann, A., Barcomb, A., Riehle, D. (2020): Supporting interview analysis with autocoding. – Proceedings of the 53rd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences 9p.
[32] Kenny, N., Doyle, A., Horgan, F. (2023): Transformative inclusion: Differentiating qualitative research methods to support participation for individuals with complex communication or cognitive profiles. – International Journal of Qualitative Methods 22: 17p.
[33] Khalifa, H. (2023): Philosophical assumptions in communication qualitative research. – Scientific Journal of Radio and Television Research 26p.
[34] Kidd, V.D., Spisak, J.M., Vanderlinden, S., Kayingo, G. (2022): A survey of implicit bias training in physician assistant and nurse practitioner postgraduate fellowship/residency programs. – BMC Medical Education 22(1): 8p.
[35] Kowalski, K.L., Gillis, H., Henning, K., Parikh, P., Sadi, J., Rushton, A. (2024): Use of the International IFOMPT Cervical Framework to inform clinical reasoning in postgraduate level physiotherapy students: A qualitative study using think aloud methodology. – BMC Medical Education 24(1): 16p.
[36] Krelle, H., Martinez, M., Garry, K., Horwitz, L.I. (2023): Perceptions of factors associated with sustainability of health care innovation centers. JAMA Network Open, 6(10): 1p.
[37] Kristiansen, S. (2022): Qualitative online data collection: Towards a framework of ethical decision-making. – Qualitative Report 27(12): 2686-2700.
[38] Kullman, S.M., Chudyk, A.M. (2025): Participatory member checking: A novel approach for engaging participants in co-creating qualitative findings. – International Journal of Qualitative Methods 24: 14p.
[39] Langley, A., Meziani, N. (2020): Making interviews meaningful. – The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 56(3): 370-391.
[40] Li, S., Hu, Y., Wang, L., Xia, E. (2023): Involvement, leadership and social practice to the development of postgraduate attributes: Evidence from extracurricular education with Chinese characteristics. – Frontiers in Psychology 14: 14p.
[41] Matahela, V.E., Makhanya, N.J. (2024): Towards a national policy on nursing education and training: An imperative framework for integrating nursing education within South Africa’s post-school education system. – BMC Nursing 23(1): 10p.
[42] Mathieson, A., Elvey, R., Wilson, P. (2024): Development and application of a qualitative rapid analysis framework in a hybrid trial within primary care. – BMJ Open 14(7): 10p.
[43] Mehmood, N., Hassan, K.H.U., Akmal, F. (2023): Bridging the gap between educational research and practice: A qualitative study at superior University Lahore. – Global Educational Studies Review 8(1): 309-317.
[44] Michelen, M., Phan, M., Zimmer, A., Coury, N., Morey, B., Montiel Hernandez, G.I., Cantero, P., Zárate, S., Foo, M.A., Tanjasiri, S., Billimek, J., LeBrón, A. M.W. (2024): Practical qualitative data analysis for public health research: A guide to a team-based approach with flexible coding. – International Journal of Qualitative Methods 30p.
[45] Mirmoghtadaie, Z., Ahmady, S., Kohan, N., Rakhshani, T. (2020): An interesting result of a qualitative research: Academic exhaustion barrier to professionalism in medical students. – Journal of Education and Health Promotion 9(1): 7p.
[46] Mishra, S., Dey, A.K. (2022): Understanding and identifying ‘themes’ in qualitative case study research. – South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases 11(3): 187-192.
[47] Munsell, E.G., Bines, K., Foster, E., Rafferty, M. (2024): Applying PEOP to develop an intervention framework for employment in Parkinson’s disease. – Occupational Therapy Journal of Research 44(3): 511-520.
[48] Nguyen, J., Goldsmith, L., Rains, L.S., Gillard, S. (2022): Peer support in early intervention in psychosis: A qualitative research study. – Journal of Mental Health 31(2): 196-202.
[49] Özyiğit, M.K. (2022): Challenges and ethical issues in counseling supervision from faculty supervisors’ perspective. – Participatory Educational Research 9(5): 305-329.
[50] Patterson, E.W., Ball, K., Corkish, J., Whittick, I.M. (2022): Do you see what I see? Enhancement of rigour in qualitative approaches to inquiry: A systematic review of evidence. – Qualitative Research Journal 23(2): 164-180.
[51] Persano Adorno, D., Giaconia, G.C. (2025): A graduate level personalized learning environment in the field of f-NIRS signal processing. – Information 16(3): 19p.
[52] Powell, C., Ismail, H., Cleverley, R., Taylor, A., Breen, L., Fylan, B., Alderson, S.L., Alldred, D.P., ISCOMAT Programme Team. (2021): Patients as qualitative data analysts: developing a method for a process evaluation of the ‘Improving the Safety and Continuity of Medicines management at care Transitions’(ISCOMAT) cluster randomised control trial. – Health Expectations 24(4): 1254-1262.
[53] Pritchard, J., Alavian, S., Soogoor, A., Bartels, S.A., Hall, A.K. (2023): Global health competencies in postgraduate medical education: A scoping review and mapping to the CanMEDS physician competency framework. – Canadian Medical Education Journal 14(1): 70-79.
[54] Recha, C.W., Mulalu, W. (2023): Ethical considerations in authorship and postgraduate supervision in universities in Kenya. – Journal of Education and Practice 14(15): 26-33.
[55] Roberts, R. (2020): Qualitative interview questions: Guidance for novice researchers. – The Qualitative Report 25(9): 3185-3203.
[56] Saied, M., Adjogble, F., Guirguis, S., Hemmji, M., Warschat, J. (2023): A framework for systematic scientific research management. – In D.F. Kocaoglu, T.R. Anderson, D.C. Kozanoglu, K. Niwa, H.-J. Steenhuis (Eds.): 2023 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology, IEEE 16p.
[57] Salzano, R., Hall, H., Webster, G., Brazier, D. (2023): Community validation as a method to establish trustworthiness in qualitative LIS research. – Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology 60(1): 1110-1112.
[58] Saunders, C.H., Sierpe, A., Von Plessen, C., Kennedy, A.M., Leviton, L.C., Bernstein, S.L., Goldwag, J., King, J.R., Marx, C.M., Pogue, J.A., Saunders, R. K., Leyenaar, J.K. (2023): Practical thematic analysis: A guide for multidisciplinary health services research teams engaging in qualitative analysis. – BMJ 381: 10p.
[59] Scheibelhofer, E. (2023): The interpretive interview. An interview form centring on research participants’ constructions. – International Journal of Qualitative Methods 22: 8p.
[60] Shaw, L., Nunns, M., Briscoe, S., Anderson, R., Thompson Coon, J. (2021): A “Rapid Best‐Fit” model for framework synthesis: Using research objectives to structure analysis within a rapid review of qualitative evidence. – Research Synthesis Methods 12(3): 368-383.
[61] Sibley, K.M., Barclay, R., Cooper, J., Edwards, J., Guse, L.W., Leclair, L., Katz, A., Korall, A.M., Ripat, J., Zawaly, K. (2024): Development of a conceptual framework for adult community rehabilitation policy, planning, care, and research: A multimethod qualitative approach. – Health & Social Care in the Community 9p.
[62] Snodgrass, J.G., Clements, K.R., Nixon, W.C., Ortega, C., Lauth, S., Anderson, M. (2020): An iterative approach to qualitative data analysis: Using theme, cultural models, and content analyses to discover and confirm a grounded theory of how gaming inculcates resilience. – Field Methods 32(4): 399-415.
[63] Steltenpohl, C.N., Lustick, H., Meyer, M.S., Lee, L.E., Stegenga, S.M., Reyes, L.S., Renbarger, R. (2023): Rethinking transparency and rigor from a qualitative open science perspective. – Journal of Trial and Error 5: 47-59
[64] Tajuria, G., Gray, L., Warburton, L., Lambley-Burke, R., Burt, C., Maidment, I. (2024): How cAN we grow research in community-baseD NHS and SociaL CarE Services (HANDLE)? – F1000Research 13(422): 12p.
[65] Theobald, K.A., Coyer, F.M., Henderson, A.J., Fox, R., Thomson, B.F., McCarthy, A.L. (2021): Developing a postgraduate professional education framework for emergency nursing: A co-design approach. – BMC Nursing 20: 10p.
[66] Theobald, K.A., Fox, R., Burridge, C., Thomson, B., Fox, A. (2023): Leveraging university-industry partnerships to optimise postgraduate nursing education. – BMC Nursing 22(1): 11p.
[67] Tong, S.F., Tan, C.E. (2022): Rightful place of qualitative research in family medicine and healthcare. – Malaysian Family Physician 17(3): 2-8.
[68] Tumiran, M.A. (2024): Constructing a framework from quantitative data analysis: Advantages, types and innovative approaches. – Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 5(4): 198-212.
[69] Van Haastrecht, M., Brinkhuis, M., Wools, S., Spruit, M. (2023): VAST: a practical validation framework for e-assessment solutions. – Information Systems and e-Business Management 21(3): 603-627.
[70] Wang, M., Zeng, Z., Xu, M. (2021): Postgraduate training performance evaluation applying weighting and comprehensive fuzzy evaluation methods. – International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning 16(1): 124-133.
[71] Warmuth, J.R., Weiss, J., Pauknerová, D., Hanzlík, J., Tosun, J., Kittel, B. (2021): Methodological framework. In J. Tosun, D. Pauknerová, B. Kittel (Eds.): Intergenerational Transmission and Economic Self-Sufficiency, Palgrave Macmillan 19p.
[72] Whelan, G., Yeowell, G., Littlewood, C. (2024): Patient experiences of hydrodistension as a treatment for frozen shoulder: A longitudinal qualitative study. – PloS One 19(6): 19p.
[73] Xu, W., Zammit, K. (2020): Applying thematic analysis to education: A hybrid approach to interpreting data in practitioner research. – International Journal of Qualitative Methods 19: 9p.
[74] Žalimienė, L., Junevičienė, J. (2021): Informal family carers’ need for state-guaranteed support. What are the implications for social policy? – Corvinus Journal of Sociology and Social Policy 12(2): 47-65.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 MOHD AMZARI TUMIRAN
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
