What is thematic analysis?

Thematic analysis is a qualitative analytic method that involves identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within qualitative data. This approach allows researchers to interpret various aspects of their research topic and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying meanings from the data collected, such as interviews, focus groups, or open-ended survey responses. The process of thematic analysis typically includes familiarization with the data, coding significant pieces of information, and then developing themes that capture the essence of the data, allowing for comprehensive insights into the participants' experiences or viewpoints.

This method is particularly valuable because it is flexible and can be applied across a variety of research questions and data types, offering nuanced interpretations that can enhance the overall understanding of the subject matter being studied. The nature of thematic analysis emphasizes depth over breadth, prioritizing the richness of the qualitative data over quantitative measures that are found in statistical analysis techniques.