Thematic analysis is a poorly demarcated, rarely acknowledged, yet widely used qualitative analytic method within psychology. In this paper, we argue that it offers an accessible and theoretically flexible approach to analysing qualitative data. We outline what thematic analysis is, locating it in relation to other qualitative analytic methods that search for themes or patterns, and in relation to different epistemological and ontological positions. We then provide clear guidelines to those wanting to start thematic analysis, or conduct it in a more deliberate and rigorous way, and consider potential pitfalls in conducting thematic analysis. Finally, we outline the disadvantages and advantages of thematic analysis. We conclude by advocating thematic analysis as a useful and flexible method for qualitative research in and beyond psychology.

Using thematic analysis in psychology

As qualitative research becomes increasingly recognized and valued, it is imperative that it is conducted in a rigorous and methodical manner to yield meaningful and useful results. To be accepted ...

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1609406917733847

Thematic Analysis: Striving to Meet the Trustworthiness Criteria

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is an increasingly popular approach to qualitative inquiry. This handy text covers its theoretical foundations and provides a detailed guide to conducting IPA research.

Extended worked examples from the authors' own studies in health, sexuality, psychological distress and identity illustrate the breadth and depth of IPA research.

Each of the chapters also offers a guide to other good exemplars of IPA research in the designated area. The final section of the book considers how IPA connects with other contemporary qualitative approaches like discourse and narrative analysis and how it addresses issues to do with validity. The book is written in an accessible style and will be extremely useful to students and researchers in psychology and related disciplines in the health and social sciences.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research

Attachment--and loss.

Qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis are two commonly used approaches in data analysis of nursing research, but boundaries between the two have not been clearly specified. In other words, they are being used interchangeably and it seems difficult for the researcher to choose between them. In this respect, this paper describes and discusses the boundaries between qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis and presents implications to improve the consistency between the purpose of related studies and the method of data analyses. This is a discussion paper, comprising an analytical overview and discussion of the definitions, aims, philosophical background, data gathering, and analysis of content analysis and thematic analysis, and addressing their methodological subtleties. It is concluded that in spite of many similarities between the approaches, including cutting across data and searching for patterns and themes, their main difference lies in the opportunity for quantification of data. It means that measuring the frequency of different categories and themes is possible in content analysis with caution as a proxy for significance.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/nhs.12048

Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE FULL BOOK TEXT - PUBLISHER POLICY ONLY ALLOWS ACCESS TO AN EXTRACT OF THIS BOOK IN THE UWE BRISTOL RESEARCH REPOSITORY

For Chapter 1: This chapter introduces qualitative research to a reader new to the area, and sets the scene for the rest of the book. It clearly specifies what defines qualitative research, and differentiates the use of a whole qualitative paradigm, or Big Q approach, with the more limited use of qualitative data within a more positivist paradigm. It contextualises qualitative research – within psychology – by providing a brief history of the approach, and by locating it within the learning-context of research degrees at many universities, where quantitative approaches tend to predominate. The chapter explores the question of what makes a good qualitative researcher by introducing the concept of a qualitative sensibility, and by outlining skills important in qualitative research, such as reflexivity, interactional ability, and a critical and inquiring mind. The chapter also introduces the authors and their perspectives on qualitative research. Finally, the chapter introduces the overall approach, organisation and structure of the book, and its specific and unique pedagogical features, including the companion website. 
The chapter is supported with a range of pedagogical features including annotated further reading, and chapter overviews and summaries. The companion website includes an interactive flashcard glossary of key terms for this chapter and self-test multiple choice questions for section 1: Successfully getting started in qualitative research.

Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Since initially writing on thematic analysis in 2006, the popularity of the method we outlined has exploded, the variety of TA approaches have expanded, and, not least, our thinking has developed a...

Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis

Developing a universal quality standard for thematic analysis (TA) is complicated by the existence of numerous iterations of TA that differ paradigmatically, philosophically and procedurally. This ...

One size fits all? What counts as quality practice in (reflexive) thematic analysis?

The field of health and wellbeing scholarship has a strong tradition of qualitative research*and rightly so. Qualitative research offers rich and compelling insights into the real worlds, experiences, and perspectives of patients and health care professionals in ways that are completely different to, but also sometimes complimentary to, the knowledge we can obtain through quantitative methods. (Published: 16 October 2014) Citation: Int J Qualitative Stud Health Well-being 2014, 9 : 26152 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/qhw.v9.26152

Victoria Clarke

Papers

Using thematic analysis in psychology

Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis

One size fits all? What counts as quality practice in (reflexive) thematic analysis?

What can "thematic analysis" offer health and wellbeing researchers?