So, you have extracted all the research results and obtained all the data. Good to hear that you have passed the difficult stage. Do you know what the next stage is? Yes, the next stage is the analysis stage, where you will analyse all the collected data and draw meaningful conclusions. To conduct a good analysis, you need to go through some steps. This step-by-step process gives birth to a model, and that model of analysis is called an analytical framework.
Analytical frameworks are designed to guide you on how to perform data analysis. It has been seen that many researchers do not follow a framework when doing data analysis. Due to this, their analysis sections are mostly not up to the mark. Keeping this and the importance of having an analytical framework in mind, today’s article is all about this framework. By reading this topic, you will find a comprehensive definition of this framework, a detailed note on its importance in scientific research, and when to use it. So, let’s get started.
What is an analytical framework in scientific research?
Scientific research is all about having an organised way to address a problem, analyse it, and propose feasible solutions. To do this, you need some kind of framework. So, according to this, an analytical framework is a model that helps explain how a certain type of analysis will be conducted. Many researchers match this framework with conceptual and theoretical frameworks. Indeed, these two frameworks are also important as they set the base by explaining the concepts and theories affecting the phenomenon. However, the analytical model is something different. The basic element of difference is instrumental.
What is the importance of an analytical framework?
By reading the information above, you have a good idea of what this framework is and how it differs from conceptual and theoretical frameworks. This information is not enough for this crucial framework. You must also know about its importance in scientific research. Therefore, a brief description of the points explaining its importance is as follows:
1. Guides the whole analysis process
The first and the most important point that makes this framework necessary for research is that it effectively guides the whole analysis. From data collection to data storage and from data collation to data analysis, this framework underpins and supports each process. How does it do this? It does so by explaining all the analytical methods that you will be using in the analysis. It also does so by identifying all the key analytical outputs and products at each step of the analysis. Hence, it guides the whole analysis process and effectively explains how to conduct it. Still, you have an option to get hire the best dissertation writers for an effective selection of analytical frameworks.
2. Explains how to analyse the data
The analytical framework contains information about all the analysis methods and your approach to analysing the collected data. So, it is important in a way that explains how to analyse the data. By mentioning all the important methods and data analysis procedures, it helps you analyse the data effectively and without making any errors. Along with this, it also provides you with a way to organise the analysed data in a structured form. Hence, it is another point explaining the importance of this framework.
3. Identify moderators and mediators
Normally, the outcome of the analysis describes the relationship between your research variables. Normally, two variables explain this relationship. A mediator or mediating variable explains the process through which two research variables are related to each other. The moderator variables explain the strength and direction of that relationship. An analytical framework helps you a lot by identifying these two variables and allows you to explore the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
4. Serves as a communication tool
This framework serves as a communication tool between the actors of research. Once developed, the researcher uses this framework as a reference throughout the analysis. As it contains information about how to conduct an effective analysis, the research looks back frequently toward this and refines the analysis. So, it plays an important role in analysis by acting as a communication tool and as a driver for collaboration.
5. Identifies the usefulness of the information
The analytical framework is also important to identify the usefulness of data for the data analysis. It identifies what data will be useful and can be used in the analysis process. Along with this, it also helps to determine what type of data can be discarded. So, overall, it is an important framework to know the usefulness of the data.
When do you need to use an analytical framework?
Although you have learned a lot about this framework above, now let’s have a look at the situations when you need to use it. It is important to know because without knowing this, all the information given above is useless. So, the situations in which you need to use this framework are as follows:
- The first situation in which you can use this framework is when you have a complex body of literature with multiple research questions. It becomes almost impossible to answer all those questions using conventional methods. Therefore, an organised way of analysing the data is required.
- The second situation in which using an analytical framework can prove to be effective is when you have a complex chain of logic between intermediate and clinical outcomes. It means that you are unable to take a decision. In such a scenario, you can take help from analytical frameworks, which will help you understand the research context fully.
Conclusion
An analytical framework guides the researcher on how to conduct a good data analysis in scientific research. It explains all the steps involved in the analysis and tells the researcher where he needs to collect the data, store it, and analyse it. All in all, this framework is of real importance in scientific research, and you must pay dear attention to it. The situations in which you can use it are also mentioned above. So, read them also.
Author Bio:
Robert Fawl is a professional Content Writer based in London, UK. He is an author and blogger with experience in writing different academic assignments. Currently associated with Dissertation Writers UK. If you need to buy an assignment online to write your assignment, you can contact him.
