Lecture 1

Question 1

Thematic Analysis - what is it?

Answer 1

searching through data to identify recurrent patterns
process which characterises the qualitative paradigm
essentially independent of theory and epistemology - can be applied across a range of theoretical and epistemological approaches - Braune and Clark, 2006

Question 2

analytical considerations

Answer 2

analysis is iterative - need to go back and forth between data analysis and collections
need to go back and forth between data and analytic framework
- go beyond the surface of that data - interpret and explain
inductive(data driven) vs deductive (analyst driven)

Question 3

stages of thematic analysis

Answer 3

Braune and Clark

1. transcribe and immerse
2. develop initial codes - generate - data reduction
3. searching for themes - organise
4. define and name
5. write the report

Question 4

Stage 1 - thematic analysis

Answer 4

• transcribe and immerse yourself in the data
• familiarise
• active reading - notes on initial thoughts and what is interesting the data
• if there is repetition
• keep notes - acts as a foundation for next stages

Question 5

stage 2 - thematic analysis

Answer 5

• develop initial codes, generate and data reduce
• work your way through that data in systematic way
• apply label (code using key word/phrase)
• code areas that come up a lot or common language used
• look for important parts of the transcript which look at particular topics
  review coding as you go
• can do selection of transcripts if large sample

Question 6

stage 3

Answer 6

• searching for themes - organise
• review and consolidate codes into broader categories
• generate broader categories + sub-categories
• review themes
• check all data fits with theme

Question 7

What to do when analysis is finished?

Answer 7

• critically consider what each theme is about and decide on final names
• write detailed analysis for each theme
• use sub themes to give your analysis structure and clarity

Question 8

coding tips

Answer 8

• code a segment to text to multiple codes
• code inclusively - keep some surrounding data for context
• code generously and in relation to research question
• memos - build on your initial note taking + start to write memos to increase transparency of analysis

Question 9

how to enhance rigor of qualitative research?

Answer 9

• understand the context
• comparing themes to pre-existing frameworks
• triangulation of data methods
• member checking
• memo taking
• provide thick descriptions + supporting data
• reflexivity
• sampling deviant cases
• transparency and level of detail