Using thematic analysis

Using thematic analysis

1. Definition: Method for identifying, analysing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data

   • Differs from other analytic methods that seek to describe patterns across qualitative data
   • Does not require the detailed theoretical and technological knowledge of approaches

2. A theme captures something important about the data in relation to the research question, and represents some level of patterned response or meaning within the data set.

3. Phase 1: Familiarising yourself with the data

   • Immerse yourself in the data to the extent that you are familiar with the content: Repeated reading‟ of the data, and reading the data in an active way - searching for meanings, patterns

4. Phase 2: Generating initial codes

   • Involves the production of initial codes from the data (organising data in meaningful groups)
   • a) Code for as many potential themes/patterns as possible (time permitting) – you never know what might be interesting later b) code extracts of data inclusively & c) remember that you can code individual extracts of data in as many different themes as they fit into

5. Phase 3: Searching for themes

   • Involves sorting the different codes into potential themes, and collating all the relevant coded data extracts within the identified themes.
   • Two levels: 1 (reviewing at the level of the coded data extracts) & 2 (consider the validity of individual themes in relation to the data set)

6. Phase 4: Reviewing themes

   • Begins when you have devised a set of candidate themes, and it involves the refinement of those themes
   • Become evident that some candidate themes are not really themes while others might collapse into each other

7. Phase 5: Defining and naming themes

   • Identify essence of what each theme is about (as well as the themes overall), and determining what aspect of the data each theme captures

8. Phase 6: Producing the report

   • Tell the complicated story of your data in a way which convinces the reader of the merit and validity of your analysis