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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

9. Phase Two Generating initial codes
Liz Chamberlain

10. 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

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

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

13. 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

14. 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
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

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