Qualitative Research Methods II

Question 1

What is thematic analysis used for

Answer 1

to identify and analyse patterns of meaning across a text-based data set – not one interview

Question 2

TA is a foundational method, what does it underpin

Answer 2

Many other approaches in qualitative research

Question 3

Why is TA considered a flexible approach

Answer 3

As it can be used with a wide range of data sources and epistemological standpoints; how to collect your data – just a method of data anylses not a framework so flexiable approach

Question 4

What does TA give

Answer 4

Clear guidelines, systermatially conduct anaylsis

Question 5

Define a theme

Answer 5

a patterned response in your data set that has meaning in relation to the research question; recurring patterns that relate to the research question

Question 6

Are there any rules with a theme

Answer 6

No rules to help you classify themes (e.g., % of instances or length of response).

Question 7

Is prevalence of a theme important

Answer 7

May or may not be

Question 8

Define a inductive TA

Answer 8

data-driven with extracted themes grounded in the data (while acknowledging researcher subjectivity).
Coding an accurate representation of the content in the entire data set.

Question 9

Define a deductive TA

Answer 9

uses existing theory to guide analysis and the extraction of themes. It moves beyond the semantic meanings offered in the data set.

Question 10

Which type of TA is a Detailed and nuanced approach to coding with one theme or a small group of themes across the whole data set

Answer 10

Deductive

Question 11

What are the 6 phases of TA according to B and C

Answer 11

Familiarising yourself with your data
Generating initial codes
Searching for themes
Reviewing themes
Defining and naming themes 
Producing the report

Question 12

Define familiarisation

Answer 12

Transcribing data, reading and re-reading the data, noting down initial ideas

Question 13

Define generating initial codes

Answer 13

Coding interesting features of the data in a systematic fashion across the entire data set, collating data relevant to each code.

Question 14

Define coding

Answer 14

Process of identifying aspects of the data that relate to the research question.

Question 15

What do codes provide

Answer 15

the building blocks of analysis

Question 16

What is the type of coding dependent on

Answer 16

Type of TA

Question 17

Define semantic codes

Answer 17

Provide a succinct summary of the explicit content of the data.
Based in the semantic meaning of the data.
Typically stay close to content of the data and to the participants’ meanings.

Question 18

Define latent codes

Answer 18

Go beyond the explicit content of the data & provide an interpretation about the data content.
Invoke the researcher’s conceptual & theoretical frameworks to identify implicit meanings within the data.

Question 19

What will be established after generated initial codes

Answer 19

with data coded, all codes & data collated.

Question 20

Define searching themes

Answer 20

Collating codes into potential themes, gathering all data relevant to each potential theme

Question 21

What is the basic process of generating themes and subthemes

Answer 21

Cluster codes - sharing some unifying feature, so they reflect & describe a coherent and meaningful pattern in the data.

Question 22

What happens as your search for themes

Answer 22

Starting to explore relationship between themes & how themes will work together to tell an overall story about the data.

Question 23

What should be established by the end of the searching for themes phase

Answer 23

End phase with a thematic map/table outlining candidate themes. Collate all data extracts relevant to each theme

Question 24

Define reviewing themes

Answer 24

Checking if the themes work in relation to the coded extracts and the entire data set, generating a thematic ‘map’ of the analysis

Question 25

What should each theme be distinct from

Answer 25

Distinct from another

Question 26

How should codes within a theme fit together

Answer 26

together meaningfully and be relevant to your research question

Question 27

Define defining and naming themes

Answer 27

On going analysis to refine the specifics of each theme, and the overall story the analysis tells; generating clear definitions and names for each theme

Question 28

What do clearly define themes need to be able to do

Answer 28

clearly state what is unique & specific about each theme & determining what aspect of the data each theme captures.

Question 29

What is a TA report aiming to construct

Answer 29

narrative that explains the theoretical significance of your themes

Question 30

What should you provide support for

Answer 30

Themes