Becoming familiar with data through: Thematic Analysis October 2016 Liz Chamberlain, The Open University

Aims To learn about the five [six] phases of thematic analysis To understand the importance of being familiar with your data To consider when thematic analysis is the appropriate approach To ask the question, Grounded theory or Thematic Analysis? To reflect on the necessary rigour required for all data analysis Liz Chamberlain

Criticisms It is not part of a ‘branded’ approach, e.g., grounded theory Therefore, no agreement over its rules and some consider it to be no more than a ‘lite’ form of grounded theory. It can be accused of bias, as the researcher decides on the points of interest, the codes and the themes. However, all research can be accused of bias, as it is guided by the researcher. Braun and Clarke, 2006 Hennick et al, 2011 Liz Chamberlain

Thematic analysis: is inductive; is flexible; can be incorporated into any epistemological approach. Deliberate decision to wait until all data is collected to allow for ‘structures of signification’ (Geertz, 1973:9). Goes beyond merely describing implicit ideas (Guest et al, 2012). Need to demonstrate rigour, hence a five phase process (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Liz Chamberlain

So, why isn’t it grounded theory? Methodology rather than a method – theoretical flexibility Analytical process is Recursive – moving back and forth through the steps, rather than in linear process. Messy – uses 6 phases to keep the focus Inductive doesn’t try to fit pre-existing coding Deductive – analyst decision Semantic and latent themes Connected knowing – (Belenky et al, 1986) Multiple definitions of Grounded Theory – Full and lite No attempt to develop a theory in thematic analysis Liz Chamberlain

Braun & Clarke: Six phase process Phase One Familiarisation with data Phase Two Generating initial codes Phase Three Searching for themes Phase Four Reviewing themes Phase Five Defining and naming themes Phase Six Writing the report Braun & Clarke (2006)

Phase One Familiarisation with the data The starting point was to find points of interest and to determine which were directly related to the Research Questions and which were of interest, but not focussed on this study. SHOW: Folder of data, notebook of colour-coding SLIDE: How this translates into becoming systematic and confirmatory Example one: Points of interest typed up colour-coded to RQs (Yellow – 1, Blue – 2, Orange – 3). H - home, P = parent Using the spreadsheet and the filter function able to sort according to ‘Home, School, Parent, RQ etc.) YOUR TURN: Have a go at reflecting on Points of Interest Then match them to your Research Questions Liz Chamberlain

Matching points of interest Keeping an objective stance is supported by embracing all points of interest. BUT… reading and refining the PoI by insisting they match to RQs keeps the focus. Liz Chamberlain

Phase Two Generating initial codes Liz Chamberlain

Phase Three Searching for themes Group codes into themes before putting forward candidate themes. This code produces the largest amount of differently presented data, including: Quantitative responses: code present, code co-occurrence Qualitative responses: photographs, associated commentary, field notes Liz Chamberlain

Phase Four Reviewing themes Returning, reviewing, double and triple checking MAKE TIME FOR REVIEWING Liz Chamberlain

Phase Five Defining and naming themes Phase Six Producing the report Liz Chamberlain

In conclusion… Allow the data to show what is there and expect the possibility of being surprised. Return to theories and literature to contextualise and understand what the data is saying. Be prepared for the data to challenge, disrupt, advance, present new views. Avoid putting the theoretical cart before the empirical horse. Liz Chamberlain

Bibliography Belenky, M., Clinchy, B., Goldberger, N. and Tarule, J, (1986) Women's Ways of Knowing, NY, Basic Books. Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology, Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, (2). pp. 77-101 Geertz, C. (1973) The Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays, NY, US, Basic Books. Guest, G., MacQueen, K. and Namey, E. E. (2012) Applied Thematic Analysis, London, Sage. Hennick, M., Hutter, I. and Bailey, A. (2011) Qualitative Research Methods, London, Sage. Liz Chamberlain

Useful videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDiWce6Cbsw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RyaAKsja2U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qcLLcuEzec - The Simpsons: A perfect balance Liz Chamberlain