Unlocking Insights with Boolean Operators: A Step-by-Step Guide for Leximancer Users
Boolean theory, rooted in 19th-century mathematic, has profoundly influenced the way we analyse and interpret data today. Developed by George Boole, it introduced a system of logic that simplifies complex decision-making processes into basic true/false operations using operators such as AND, OR, and NOT. Over time, Boolean logic became the backbone of search engines, computer science, and data analysis.
In qualitative data analysis, Boolean operators offer a powerful means to distil deeper meaning from complex datasets. When combined with Leximancer’s capabilities, they enable analysts to easily create customised compound concepts, unlocking nuanced insights that might otherwise remain hidden.
This tutorial will walk you through the process of manually compounding concepts using Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT in Leximancer, turning your data analysis into a powerful storytelling tool.
Getting Started: The Compound Concepts Interface
To begin, locate the ‘Compound Concepts’ interface in Leximancer. This is where you’ll manually select and combine concepts to create compound concepts.
Combine Concepts with AND
The AND operator creates compound concepts by requiring both selected concepts to appear in the same two-sentence piece of text. This method helps you pinpoint specific, co-occurring themes.
How to Do It:
Open the Compound Concepts Interface
Navigate to the ‘Compound Concepts’ section.
Select Your Concepts
Tick the boxes next to the concepts you wish to combine.
Move them to the compounding workbench using the right arrow.
3. Apply the AND Operator
Tick both concepts again in the workbench.
Click the ‘AND’ button at the top of the column.
Click OK
Tip: Hover over the compound concept to see the Boolean equation defining it.
Expand Your Analysis with OR
Use the same method to combine concepts with the Boolean operator ‘OR’.
Using the ‘OR’ conjunction means that evidence for your compound concept will be calculated to include evidence for either of your concepts, broadening your analysis by including related or alternative themes.
How to Do It:
Move Concepts to the Workbench
Select your concepts and move them to the right-hand workbench as before.
Apply the OR Operator
Tick both concepts and click the ‘OR’ button at the top of the column.
Click OK
Tip: Using OR is like merging concepts, but it keeps the original concepts intact in your analysis for greater flexibility.
Refine with NOT
The NOT operator allows you to exclude specific concepts from your analysis, focusing only on the information you care about. This is ideal for filtering out noise or irrelevant data.
How to Do It:
Select the Concept to Negate
Tick the box for the concept you want to exclude.
Click the ‘NOT’ button at the top of the workbench.
2. Combine the Negated Concept
You can now combine the negated concept with another concept by following the steps for combining concepts with ‘AND’ as outlined above. Doing so will include instances of the positive concept, and exclude instances of the negated concept.
Visualising Your Results
After compounding your concepts, you’ll see them on your concept map, alongside their original components. Hover over the map nodes to see which texts contributed to the compound concept.
Note: If you wish to exclude the individual concepts from your map, you can adjust this in the Concept Coding Settings.
Why Boolean Operators Make a Difference
Using Boolean operators in Leximancer enables you to:
Focus on Specific Themes: Combine concepts for targeted analysis.
Explore Relationships: Understand how related themes connect in your data.
Simplify Complex Data: Exclude noise to make your findings clearer and more actionable.
Ready to Dive In?
Boolean operators are your gateway to more meaningful analysis with Leximancer. By mastering these simple steps, you can go beyond surface-level insights and uncover the true stories hidden in your data.
Want to see more? Request a Demo today!
