Using thematic analysis in psychology

Abstract

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.

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Dettagli Bibliografici
Autori: Virginia Braun iD ORCID 0000-0002-3435-091X (University of Auckland); Victoria Clarke iD ORCID 0000-0001-9405-7363 (University of the West of England)
Pubblicato in: Qualitative Research in Psychology, vol. 3, n. 2, pp. 77-101
Data di pubblicazione:01/01/2006
Editore:Taylor & Francis
Tipo di documento:Articolo
Lingua:inglese
DOI: 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
ISSN:1478-0887, 1478-0895
Accesso aperto: Accesso aperto Ibrido: articolo aperto in una rivista in abbonamento – Qualitative Research in Psychology (licenza: OTHER-OA, versione editoriale)
Citazioni ricevute:193.381
Soggetti:
Qualitative Research Methods and Applications (Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Education)
Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics (Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Sociology and Political Science)
Focus Groups and Qualitative Methods (Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Sociology and Political Science)
Identificativi: OpenAlex W1979290264

Dati dell'indice centrale: OpenAlex (licenza CC0).

Descrizione
Riassunto: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.
ISSN:1478-0887
1478-0895
DOI:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa