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Analysing data qualitatively - Thematic Analysis

6 important questions on Analysing data qualitatively - Thematic Analysis

Thematic Analysis can be used to analyse large qualitative data sets, as well as smaller ones, leading to rich descriptions, explanations and theorizing. How can Thematic Analysis be used to help you?

1. Often Comprehend large and disparate amounts of qualitative data;
2. Integrate related data drawn from different transcripts and notes;
3. Identify key themes or patterns from a data set for further exploration
4. Produce a thematic description of these data; and/or
5. Develop and test explanations and theories based on apparent thematic patterns or relationships
6. Draw and verify conclusions.

Why is Thematic Analysis flexible?

It is not tied to a particular research philosophy.

How does a realist use Thematic Analysis?

To seek to understand factors underpinning human attitudes and actions.

How does an interpretivist use Thematic Analysis?

An interpretivist may use it to explore different interpretations of a phenomenon.

What does the procedure of Thematic Analysis include?

1. Becoming familiar with your data
2. Coding your data;
3. Searching for themes and recognising relationships;
4. Refining themes and testing propositions.

There are three main sources of codes which, dependent on your approach to theory development can be used on their own or in combination. Codes may be:

- actual terms used by your participants, recorded in your data. These are often referred to as 'in vivo' codes;
- labels you develop from your data
- derived from existing theory and the literature. These are often referred to as 'a priori' codes.