Abstract The development of analyses of qualitative data that reveal their underlying structure, using the facet framework, are reviewed in the present article. These provide the basis for a general theory of the inherent structure of most qualitative data, an aspect that other approaches typically only allow for with quantitative data. This broadens the application of Facet Theory beyond its usual remit with quantitative measures. It also provides a conceptual model, or “theory,” that combines ordered (modulating) and non-ordered (radial) facets for many different contexts. Results from “qualitative structural theory” (QST) are shown to be open to interpretation as a form of Narrative Action System. Although the power of QST has been illustrated in many areas, in this article three contrasting areas of application are discussed, which each uses a different form of non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS). One is the exploration of variation in the actions of arsonists revealed through Smallest Space Analysis (SSA). A second is the modeling of consumer choice of chocolates using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis (MSA). The third is the differentiation of genuine and false claims of rape using Partial Order Scalogram Analysis by Co-ordinates (POSAC). The practical implications of these QST models to assist decision making are briefly discussed.

中文翻译：

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定性结构理论：决策依据

摘要本文综述了使用构面框架对定性数据进行分析以揭示其基本结构的进展。这些为大多数定性数据的固有结构的一般理论提供了基础，而其他方法通常只允许使用定量数据。这使Facet理论的应用范围超出了通常的定量度量范围。它还提供了一个概念模型或“理论”，该模型结合了针对许多不同上下文的有序（调制）和无序（径向）方面。“质性结构理论”（QST）的结果表明可以作为叙事行动系统的一种形式进行解释。尽管已经在许多领域说明了QST的功能，但在本文中，我们讨论了三个相反的应用领域，每个都使用不同形式的非度量多维标度（MDS）。一种是探索通过最小空间分析（SSA）揭示的纵火犯行动的变化。第二个是使用多维尺度图分析（MSA）对消费者选择巧克力进行建模。第三个是使用部分坐标刻度图坐标分析（POSAC）区分强奸的真实和虚假主张。简要讨论了这些QST模型有助于决策的实际含义。第三个是使用部分坐标刻度图坐标分析（POSAC）区分强奸的真实和虚假主张。简要讨论了这些QST模型有助于决策的实际含义。第三个是使用部分坐标刻度图坐标分析（POSAC）区分强奸的真实和虚假主张。简要讨论了这些QST模型有助于决策的实际含义。