Thematic Analysis

Abstract

As qualitative research becomes increasingly recognized and valued, it is imperative that it is conducted in a rigorous and methodical manner to yield meaningful and useful results. To be accepted as trustworthy, qualitative researchers must demonstrate that data analysis has been conducted in a precise, consistent, and exhaustive manner through recording, systematizing, and disclosing the methods of analysis with enough detail to enable the reader to determine whether the process is credible. Although there are numerous examples of how to conduct qualitative research, few sophisticated tools are available to researchers for conducting a rigorous and relevant thematic analysis. The purpose of this article is to guide researchers using thematic analysis as a research method. We offer personal insights and practical examples, while exploring issues of rigor and trustworthiness. The process of conducting a thematic analysis is illustrated through the presentation of an auditable decision trail, guiding interpreting and representing textual data. We detail our step-by-step approach to exploring the effectiveness of strategic clinical networks in Alberta, Canada, in our mixed methods case study. This article contributes a purposeful approach to thematic analysis in order to systematize and increase the traceability and verification of the analysis.

Is privacy a problem during bedside handovers? A practice-oriented discussion paper

“…During the interviews, patients were actively questioned about their opinion concerning privacy. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using the quality criteria of Lincoln and Guba, 23,24 including researcher (n ¼ 3) triangulation to enhance trustworthiness. Inductive analyses were used, meaning that themes emerged from the raw data.…”

“…This approach is preferred if in-depth knowledge on a topic is lacking. 23 Nurses were interviewed before the implementation of bedside handover to identify possible barriers and facilitators for using bedside handover on their ward. An interview guide was used, based on the "Contingency model" 25 and the "National Health Service sustainability model to healthcare improvement."…”

On the path together: Experiences of partners of people with multiple sclerosis of the impact of lifestyle modification on their relationship

“…Verbatim extracts were used to enhance transparency (Beck, 1993) enabling readers to assess validity of interpretations. Records of researcher meetings and sequential drafts of coded data were retained to demonstrate how themes emerged and evolved (Nowell, Norris, White, & Moules, 2017). Reflexivity (Clancy, 2013) was ensured by self-reflection and documentation of decision-making and reflections in meetings.…”

How does self‐direction within learning operate to affect idea generation in small‐medium enterprise contexts?

“…Thematic analysis was utilized to identify and report patterns within the dataset (Braun & Clarke, 2006;Nowell, Norris, White, & Moules, 2017). This method was chosen because it can work "both to reflect reality and to unpick or unravel the surface of reality" (Braun & Clarke, 2006, p. 81), facilitating theorization as a result.…”

“…Borrowing ideas from Attride-Stirling (2001), a thematic network was used to organize the first-order codes. The researcher utilized a data-driven approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to the organization of codes, and sought to understand whether, and how, elements of the coding structure linked together (Nowell et al, 2017). Once connections were isolated, the broader categories were named to produce the themes explored within this article.…”