tolkningsram

Tolkningsram, a term commonly used in Swedish and Norwegian academic literature, refers to an interpretive frame or lens through which phenomena, texts or events are understood. It is a structured set of assumptions, concepts and criteria that guide how researchers observe, question and evaluate evidence. A tolkningsram functions as the theoretical context of a study, shaping what counts as relevant data, which interpretations are plausible, and how meanings are constructed.

In practice, a tolkningsram helps define the research questions, the types of data that are sought, and the analytical categories that are used to make sense of material. It reflects a particular worldview or paradigm—such as interpretivism, hermeneutics, or a specific disciplinary perspective like sociology, anthropology or political science—and it can align with broader theoretical approaches, such as feminism, Marxism or cultural studies. Different tolkningsram can lead to different readings of the same data, highlighting the role of lens and perspective in interpretation.

Tolkningsrams are not neutral; they shape what is seen as significant, how evidence is weighed, and what counts as explanation. Because of this, researchers are encouraged to be explicit about their tolkningsram, reflect on its limits, and consider alternative frames or triangulation to strengthen the analysis. The term emphasizes the idea that interpretation is guided by a chosen framework rather than by data alone.