analysis of qualitative data

Question 1

what is a thematic analysis

Answer 1

-once data is transcribed data is reviewed repeatedlyso that the researcher can identify trends in the meaning conveyed by the language
- the themes identified are re-analysed so that they become more refinedand relevant and given short hand codes, the researcher can then annnotate the transcript with the codes that have been identified
- the thenes identified can be used to support or challenge existing theories, with specific examples of data or quotes being used as supporting evidence

Question 2

what are the strengths of a thematic analysis

Answer 2

+ if more than one coder comparisons can be made to check reliability
+ if care is taken not to interpret the data it is valid
+ reduces large data into a manageble summary without losing its validity so conclusions can be drawn

Question 3

what are the weaknesses of a thematic analysis

Answer 3

• researchers often do not fully explain how they arrived at the themes so not easily judged for its validty
• identifying a limited number of themes that represent the data fully is difficult, time consuming and requires skill
• researchers may have themes in mind when coding, lack validity