THEMATIC ANALYSIS

What is thematic analysis?

Braun and Clarke (2006) define thematic analysis as:

“A method for identifying, analyzing and reporting patterns within data.” (p. 79)

This method is widely used, as it allows for researchers to select their theoretical framework
This approach will allow for a detailed description of data

How is data organised or coded within this approach?

The process involves:
Familiarising yourself with your data (transcribing etc)
Generating initial codes
Searching for themes – collating codes into potential themes
Reviewing themes – checking if the themes work and generating a thematic ‘map’
Defining and naming themes
Producing the report

Can this approach be applied to data produced through interviews, focus groups, ethnographic, observational work, documentary data/texts etc? If so, how?

It is most appropriate for any study that seeks to discover using interpretations.
It can be used for:

Data interpretation
Deductive and inductive approaches
Analysis of two different phased data
Coding and categorising

It can be used for ethnographic interviews, focus groups and observations as these have verbal data which can be transcribed and thematic analysis can usefully summarise key features of a large body of data.
It can be used for analysing large amounts of text as well as part of a literature review.

Who uses thematic analysis?

not as dependent on specialised / in-depth theory as other qualitative analysis, therefore more usable by novice researchers
the researcher who wishes to identify a limited number of themes which reflect their textual data
the researcher who wants to analyse interviews (eg coding every two or three lines)
researchers wanting to give numerical representations of data for themes
Boyatzis (1998) characterises as a tool to use across different methods, as opposed to an actual method itself

Strengths associated with thematic analysis

Claimed as a tool to use across various methods
Flexible – can produce a rich and detailed, complex account of data
Independent of prevailing theories – original approach to analysing data
Not very complex – suitable for even novice qualitative researchers
Wide range of analytic options – Broad potential for analysis
Allows for subjective analysis, taking into consideration participant’s subjective conditions and point of view
Research analysis is iterative and reflexive and allows a broad grouping of points of view – gives a ‘real’ sense of the research.

Limitations of thematic analysis

Lack of clear and concise guidelines – ‘anything goes’ critique
Heavy researcher effect
Limited interpretative power if not used within existing theoretical framework
Unlike narrative/ other biographical approach, unable to retain sense of continuity or contradiction.

References

Boyatzis, R. E. (1998) Transforming Qualitative Information: Thematic Analysis and Code Development. London: SAGE
Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative research in psychology. 3(2): 77-101
Fereday J. & Muir-Cochrane E. (2006) Demonstrating rigor using Thematic Analysis: A Hybrid Approach of Inductive and Deductive Coding and Theme Development. International Jounral of Qualitative Methods. Open Access Article distributed by International Institute for Qualitative Methodology, University of Alberta.
Alhojailan, M. L. (2012) Thematic Analysis: A critical review of its process and evaluation. West East Journal of Social Sciences. 1(1).

Produced by Keerti Purmessur, Louise Kadayer and Rebekah Russo