Thematic analysis

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to thematic analysis as a method for identifying and interpreting patterns in qualitative data. We distinguish between two main 'schools' of thematic analysis: (1) approaches with a foothold in quantitative research which are concerned with the 'reliability' of coding and theme development and (2) our thoroughly Qualitative approach which views coding and theme development as organic and fluid and as ultimately and inescapably subjective. In this chapter we focus on the latter. Another hallmark of our approach to thematic analysis is that it offers a theoretically flexible method with wide-ranging applications rather than a theoretically-informed methodology that necessarily sets limits on application. We describe different ways of implementing thematic analysis and then outline a six phase process for conducting a thematic analysis involving: (1) data familiarization; (2) coding; (3) searching for themes; (4) reviewing themes; (5) defining and naming themes; and (6) writing up.