Qualitative Data Analysis and Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Question 1

What is thematic analysis (TA)?

Answer 1

A method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within qualitative data.

Question 2

How does thematic analysis go beyond simple data organization?

Answer 2

It interprets various aspects of a research topic, providing deeper insights.

Question 3

What types of qualitative data are suitable for thematic analysis?

Answer 3

Interviews, focus groups, and textual data.

Question 4

What is Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) as proposed by Braun and Clarke?

Answer 4

A thematic analysis approach emphasizing researcher reflexivity, subjectivity, and active interpretation of data.

Question 5

How does Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) differ from other coding approaches?

Answer 5

It rejects the idea of themes “emerging” and instead sees themes as actively constructed.

Question 6

What is the primary focus of coding reliability thematic analysis?

Answer 6

Accuracy, coder agreement, and structured codebooks.

Question 7

What is the difference between codebook approaches and reflexive TA?

Answer 7

Codebook approaches use structured frameworks but retain some interpretative flexibility, while reflexive TA prioritizes subjective interpretation.

Question 8

Why does reflexive TA not require coder agreement?

Answer 8

It focuses on rich, interpretative insights rather than standardized coding reliability.

Question 9

What is the goal of the familiarization phase in RTA?

Answer 9

To deeply understand the data by reading transcripts multiple times and noting patterns.

Question 10

What activities are involved in the familiarization phase?

Answer 10

Reading and re-reading data, taking notes, and manually transcribing for nuanced understanding.

Question 11

What is the purpose of generating initial codes in thematic analysis?

Answer 11

To systematically label relevant data segments for later theme development.

Question 12

What are semantic and latent codes in thematic analysis?

Answer 12

Semantic codes reflect explicit meanings, while latent codes explore underlying assumptions.

Question 13

What is an example of a semantic code in student well-being research?

Answer 13

“Lack of teacher training” as an explicit barrier to well-being promotion.

Question 14

What is the goal of searching for themes in RTA?

Answer 14

To identify overarching themes by grouping related codes.

Question 15

How can thematic mapping help in searching for themes?

Answer 15

It visually organizes relationships between codes and themes.

Question 16

What is the importance of reviewing themes in RTA?

Answer 16

To refine and validate themes, ensuring they are meaningful and distinct.

Question 17

What two key criteria should themes meet during the reviewing phase?

Answer 17

Internal coherence and distinctiveness from other themes.

Question 18

What should be done when defining and naming themes?

Answer 18

Clarify the essence of each theme and create clear, concise names.

Question 19

What is an example of a well-defined theme name in RTA?

Answer 19

“Barriers to Well-Being Promotion.”

Question 20

What is the purpose of producing a thematic analysis report?

Answer 20

To integrate data extracts, contextualize findings, and contribute to knowledge.

Question 21

What are essentialist and constructionist epistemologies in RTA?

Answer 21

Essentialist views language as reflecting reality, while constructionist sees language as creating reality.

Question 22

What is the difference between inductive and deductive thematic analysis?

Answer 22

Inductive coding is data-driven, while deductive coding is theory-driven.

Question 23

What is the difference between semantic and latent coding?

Answer 23

Semantic coding focuses on surface-level meanings, while latent coding explores deeper assumptions.

Question 24

What is the difference between experiential and critical orientations in RTA?

Answer 24

Experiential captures lived experiences, while critical examines how language constructs social reality.

Question 25

What was the aim of the application example study in RTA?

Answer 25

To understand educators’ attitudes toward promoting student well-being.

Question 26

What sampling method was used in the educator well-being study?

Answer 26

11 semi-structured interviews with diverse participants (e.g., teachers, pastoral staff).

Question 27

What were two key themes identified in the educator well-being study?

Answer 27

“Best Practices in Well-Being Promotion” and “Challenges to Implementation.”

Question 28

What are the strengths of Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA)?

Answer 28

Flexibility, adaptability, and depth in data interpretation.

Question 29

What are common challenges of RTA?

Answer 29

It is time-intensive and requires strong analytical skills and reflexivity.

Question 30

Why does RTA require researcher reflexivity?

Answer 30

Because the researcher actively constructs themes, their subjectivity influences the interpretation.