Thematic Analysis Process

Question 1

Thematic Analysis

A01- Step 1,2,3

Answer 1

1) Familiarising yourself with data=
- Read and re read the data, transcribe verbal data, noting any initial analytic observations
2) Generating initial codes=
- Short hand labels, assigned to data fragments signifying common meaning/relationship
- Manually or with software, done systematically and code for all potential codes and themes
- The data that has the same code should be collated together
3) Searching for themes (subset of codes)=
- Sorting codes into potential themes, using visuals eg mind maps,tables etc
- Some code may form main or sub themes, others may be discarded, at the end should have a collection of themes and sub themes

Question 2

Thematic Analysis

A01- Step 4,5

Answer 2

4) Reviewing themes=
-Refinement of themes; some collapse into others, some may be needed to be broken down into smaller components, does it tell a convincing and compelling story of the data
Level 1= Re read all data extracts which fit into each theme- a coherent pattern
Level 2= Consider each theme in relation to the entire data- reflective of relationships between themes? Utilise thematic map, beginning to define nature of theme and relationships between them
5) Defining and naming themes=
-Conduct and write detailed analysis of each theme, does it tell/fit into overall story of the data?
-Officially name themes; capture ‘essence’ of each theme, produce final thematic map

Question 3

Thematic Analysis

Evaluation- A03

Answer 3

Strength-
Use of qualitative data, such as gathering responses on attitudes to a behaviour (prejudice) is an inductive process that detects themes and patterns in the data producing a rich,detailed and complex account. This can help the production/adaption of theories and explanations of human behaviour such as prejudice as it is a more flexible process.

Question 4

Thematic Analysis

Evaluation- A03

Answer 4

Weakness-
A researcher is closely involved in gathering and analysing the data, which involves their interpretation. Even if using a data collection method which excludes the researchers physical presence, such as as a questionnaire, there still is an element of subjectivity in the creation of codes and themes for thematic analysis. This reduces the validity of the method as the process of analysis could reduce the accuracy of the data

Question 5

Thematic Analysis

Evaluation-A03

Answer 5

Strength-
Thematic analysis allows for a broad grouping of opinions, making them not only easier to analyse, but gives a more valid and real sense of attitudes and perspectives on research question as qualitative data is rich and in-depth. This suggests conclusions reached by thematic analysis are likely to be accurate and representative of the range of views

Question 6

Thematic Analysis

Evaluation-A03

Answer 6

Weakness-
The strength of qualitative research may be compromised by theoretical framework utilised in thematic analysis. This process of analysis does limit interpretative power in following the specific step by step process of thematic analysis. The codes may not capture subtle nuances or individual differences in opinions/perspectives on the research topic as it is too general, which may had lead to a different conclusion if identified. Therefore, this weakens the case that thematic analysis produces rich explanations on human behaviour, it might not be reflective as thought on attitudes.