Understanding Thematic Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide

Becoming familiar with data through: Thematic Analysis November 2017 Liz Chamberlain, The Open University

Aims To learn about the five [six] phases of thematic analysis To understand the importance of being familiar with your data To consider when thematic analysis is the appropriate approach To ask the question, Grounded theory or Thematic Analysis? To reflect on the necessary rigour required for all data analysis Liz Chamberlain

Criticisms It is not part of a branded approach, e.g., grounded theory Therefore, no agreement over its rules and some consider it to be no more than a lite form of grounded theory. Braun and Clarke, 2006 It can be accused of bias, as the researcher decides on the points of interest, the codes and the themes. However, all research can be accused of bias, as it is guided by the researcher. Hennick et al, 2011 Liz Chamberlain

Thematic analysis: is inductive; is flexible; can be incorporated into any epistemological approach. Deliberate decision to wait until all data is collected to allow for structures of signification (Geertz, 1973:9). Goes beyond merely describing implicit ideas (Guest et al, 2012). Need to demonstrate rigour, hence a five phase process (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Liz Chamberlain

So, why isnt it grounded theory? Methodology rather than a method theoretical flexibility Analytical process is Recursive moving back and forth through the steps, rather than in linear process. Messy uses 6 phases to keep the focus Inductivedoesn t try to fit pre-existing coding Deductive analyst decision Semantic and latent themes Connected knowing (Belenky et al, 1986) Multiple definitions of Grounded Theory Full and lite No attempt to develop a theory in thematic analysis Liz Chamberlain

Braun & Clarke: Six phase process Phase One Familiarisation with data Phase Two Generating initial codes Phase Three Searching for themes Phase Four Reviewing themes Phase Five Defining and naming themes Phase Six Writing the report Braun & Clarke (2006)

In conclusion Allow the data to show what is there and expect the possibility of being surprised. Return to theories and literature to contextualise and understand what the data is saying. Be prepared for the data to challenge, disrupt, advance, present new views. Avoid putting the theoretical cart before the empirical horse. Liz Chamberlain

Bibliography Belenky, M., Clinchy, B., Goldberger, N. and Tarule, J, (1986) Women's Ways of Knowing, NY, Basic Books. Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology, Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, (2). pp. 77-101 Geertz, C. (1973) The Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays, NY, US, Basic Books. Guest, G., MacQueen, K. and Namey, E. E. (2012) Applied Thematic Analysis, London, Sage. Hennick, M., Hutter, I. and Bailey, A. (2011) Qualitative Research Methods, London, Sage. Liz Chamberlain

Useful videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDiWce6 Cbsw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RyaAKsj a2U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qcLLcuE zec - The Simpsons: A perfect balance Liz Chamberlain