Thematic analysis in qualitative research - example of Braun and Clarke’s six stage process

[@DegreeDoctor]

If you need more help with your Braun and Clarke thematic analysis, check out my step-by-step guide, here's the link: www.thedegreedoctor.com/phd-survival-guides/p/braun-clarke-thematic-analysis

[@christopherafowowe4067]

I find your presentations to be very informative and helpful in understanding some difficult concepts. I'd like to connect with you as much as possible. Thank you for these presentations. I like what you are doing.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you, Christopher! I’m so glad you found the presentations helpful. It’s always great to hear when my content helps clarify difficult concepts. I’d be happy to connect and chat more! Feel free to reach out anytime with any questions or topics you’d like me to cover.

[@mj3774]

Thank you so much for this amazing and informative video. I’m currently conducting a systematic review of qualitative studies , is Braun and Clarke the best choice for data analysis?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you found the video helpful. When conducting a systematic review of qualitative studies, Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis can be a great choice, especially if you’re looking to identify and analyse patterns across your dataset. It’s particularly useful if you want a flexible approach that doesn’t require you to adhere strictly to a pre-existing framework. However, the best method really depends on your research goals. If you’re aiming to synthesise findings across studies with a focus on themes, Braun and Clarke could work well. But if your review aims to integrate findings more deeply or develop new theories, you might also consider other methods like meta-ethnography or framework synthesis. It’s important to align your method with what you hope to achieve in your review. Good luck with your systematic review, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!

[@gloriamanuel870]

This is such a great video and you’ve done an amazing job explaining the process. I’m just a bit unsure if for instance when you create a theme and then decide to split it, would you have a section explaining that process in your methodology or data analysis? Also you then provided a summary of each theme but would it be of the original one or the final split version?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Great question - when splitting a theme, it’s definitely a good idea to explain this process in your methodology or data analysis section. You can describe how the initial theme emerged and the rationale for splitting it, along with any changes this caused in your understanding of the data. As for summarising the themes, it’s best to present the final version, after you’ve made any revisions or splits, to give a clear picture of the final thematic structure. I hope that helps!

[@gloriamanuel870]

@@DegreeDoctor this does clarify my question, thank you so much for your reply

[@hanluadelaide]

Awesome video, one of the best examples out there. Well explained and the examples are useful! Thank you!

[@DegreeDoctor]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’m so pleased it was helpful 🤓

[@UsithaSivapragasam]

Thank you for the video. I will be using reflexive thematic analysis and I have read the paper (Braun & Clark) on it. You have nicely covered it in this video.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Glad it was helpful! All the best with your analysis!

[@tinokamhuka7283]

Good Day, I really am interested in your work and I have a project due but im failing to fully grasp what will need to be done. Could you please assist?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Send me an email at [e-mail] and I’ll try to help!

[@tinokamhuka7283]

@@DegreeDoctor email sent. Highly appreciated so much

[@lucieMe-zj4vb]

Thanks for the clear explanation.

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re most welcome! Let me know if you have any questions 🤓

[@nurazmiahbt.zainuddinnih6899]

I am doing more of policy research not for academic. For my research exploring integrated care practices in a district health system, we used a Rainbow Model Framework for Integrated Care (RMIC). My questions are 1. Am I doing thematic analysis or framework analysis? 2. Can my step 2 already coded according to the domain or themes in the RMIC? Thank you

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for your questions! Since you're using a pre-existing framework (RMIC), your approach aligns more with framework analysis rather than thematic analysis, which is more flexible and data-driven. Yes, in framework analysis, it's common to start with predefined themes or domains. Coding your data according to the RMIC themes is appropriate and aligns with this method. I hope this helps!

[@nurazmiahbt.zainuddinnih6899]

​@@angelakeane-zk6ur do share resources to understand better on deductive thematic analysis vs framework analysis

[@nurazmiahbt.zainuddinnih6899]

@@DegreeDoctor Thanks; do share resources to understand better on deductive thematic analysis vs framework analysis

[@angelakeane-zk6ur]

Question: Can i include references to supporting research in the findings sections of a thematic analysis? Like, discuss it as i analyse it within the context of previous research?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Great question! Whether you include references to supporting research in the findings section of your thematic analysis really depends on the overall structure you’re following. In some disciplines, particularly within the social sciences, it’s common to incorporate existing literature directly within the findings chapter. This allows you to analyse your data while simultaneously considering its implications for existing research. This approach is often favoured in qualitative studies, where making immediate connections between your findings and the theoretical frameworks can strengthen your analysis. On the other hand, if you’re working within a structure that separates the findings and discussion, it’s typical to present a clear and concise overview of your findings first. Then, you would save the discussion of their broader implications for the next chapter. This method ensures clarity and helps the reader understand the data on its own before exploring its significance in the context of existing literature. So, it really comes down to the preferred structure in your discipline and what will best serve your study’s objectives. I hope this helps!

[@angelakeane-zk6ur]

@@DegreeDoctor Mine is the former. It's analysing interviews with staff who work on a prison dog training program. I'll include the references to supporting research. Thanks for your reply!

[@favourcchima3690]

Been struggling with my coding for over five months now. Honestly exhausted as i don't even know what the problem is again

[@DegreeDoctor]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that! Drop us an email at [e-mail] and we’ll try to help.

[@Mara9090x]

Thank you so much for the clarification; it's really beneficial. I would recommend adding Braun and Clarke (2020) to your title, as I was specifically looking for their latest edition. I noticed that most of the KZbin videos I found used their older version, which made it difficult to find the most up-to-date information. Including the latest edition in your title would be incredibly helpful for others in the same situation.

[@Casey4273]

Great explanation. Thank you. I am using latent content analysis though. But some tips in here do apply to it as well. 😊

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome, it’s great to hear some of my tips are helpful for your analysis! All the best with your project 🤓

[@Casey4273]

@@DegreeDoctor thank you. I watch the videos all the time. They have helped me massively, my PhD is by thesis and publication. No coursework, so i have to discover a lot by myself. All the way from Namibia 🇳🇦, in Southern Africa.

[@DegreeDoctor]

I’m so pleased the videos have been helpful! Let me know if there are other topics you’d like to see covered on my channel 🤓

[@Casey4273]

@@DegreeDoctorData Triangulation in qualitative research, specifically on how to report findings from different data sources if a researcher engaged 3 or more categories of participants. Can you also touch on the aspect of ensuring maximum variation? Thank you in advance

[@RhodaKumah]

Thank you soo much

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome! Let me know if you have any questions! 🤓

[@Alice-d3r]

Thanks so much, its a great video. I'm still feeling confused about how to create the codes and themes though-I think because my data quite clearly ansers my questions, and there are quite a lot of questions. so a: it all seems imortant and b: the codes or themes just seem to obvious/boring/basic. Im doing RTA for phenomenological research into the experiences of Queer people of colour on their counselling/therapy courses for my MSc. Its my first experience of research and I'm finding this part quite difficult!

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much for your kind words about the video! I’m glad you found it helpful. It’s completely understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed when working on your first research project, especially with something as nuanced as Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) for a phenomenological study. When it comes to creating codes and themes, here are a few tips that might help: Start with open coding: Go through your data and code anything that stands out as interesting or relevant. Don’t worry too much about making these codes perfect at this stage. The goal is to capture a wide range of potential insights. Group similar codes together: Once you have your initial set of codes, start looking for patterns or connections between them. Group similar codes together to form initial themes. Review and refine your themes: Check if these themes accurately reflect the nuances in your data. It’s okay if your initial themes seem basic - refinement comes with iterative review. Focus on depth over breadth: Since your data answers your questions clearly, try to dive deeper into the nuances and complexities within those answers. Look for sub-themes or variations in experiences that might add richness to your analysis. Engage with the literature: Look at existing research on similar topics to see how other researchers have approached coding and theme development. This can provide inspiration and a benchmark for your own work. Reflect on your perspective: Since RTA is reflexive, consider how your own perspective and experiences might influence your interpretation of the data. This reflexivity can add depth to your analysis. Remember, qualitative research is as much about the process as it is about the end result. It’s perfectly normal to find this part challenging, but with time and practice, it will become more intuitive. Keep going - your research on the experiences of Queer people of colour in counselling/therapy courses is incredibly valuable and important! If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out. Good luck with your MSc project!

[@OtilaOsborne]

Great thank you I'm researching the gambling behavior of older women (age 50+ years) and how these women perceive risk in recreational gambling

[@DegreeDoctor]

Your research sounds incredibly interesting! Exploring gambling behaviour and perceptions of risk among older women is such a unique and important topic. I imagine there are some fascinating themes that will emerge in your analysis. I’m glad the video was helpful - best of luck with your thematic analysis! If you have any questions or need more guidance, feel free to reach out!

[@roylyntaitt9403]

Thanks for this super simple explanation. I am looking at the Lived experiences of secondary school students facilitated with accommodations in LA.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for your comment! I'm glad the explanation was helpful. Your research on the lived experiences of secondary school students with accommodations in LA sounds incredibly important. Thematic analysis will be a great approach to capture and explore the patterns in their experiences. Wishing you all the best with your study!

[@kurwinderkaur8105]

Hi, Thank you for the time and putting this explanation for thematic analysis forward. I am doing a qualitative research on the public perception of psychopathic personality.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Hi! Thank you so much for your comment. I’m glad you found the explanation helpful. Your research on public perception of psychopathic personality sounds fascinating and important-using thematic analysis should really help you uncover the key themes and patterns in people’s perceptions. If you have any specific questions as you go through your analysis, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your research!

[@StevieDownUnder71]

This is fantastic Elizabeth. I rececently ran a minfulness program at the vocational college that I teach at in Oz. I'm doing a phenomeolgical study, looking at the perceptions and expeiences from perspectives of both the lecturures and their students in six different vocations (business, cooking, nursing, plumbing, science and design). I've recently immersed myself in the data I collected through focus groups and interviews, next step is to start coding. My supervisor sent me through your link. This video is very useful indeed, especially in reassuring me that I'm on the right track! Cheers Steve.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that the video was helpful for your research. Your phenomenological study on mindfulness sounds incredibly interesting and valuable. It’s great that you’re feeling reassured about your next steps with coding. Best of luck with your analysis. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Cheers!

[@JrB199357]

Thank you for this explanation! School psychology doc student here and I am doing a mixed methods (survey and interviews) approach to understand the paraprofessional experience working in special education in Pennsylvania public schools. APA does not require qualitative courses nor considers them as an alternative to statistics requirements, so I had to take a general qualitative research course outside of my program. As helpful as it was, it definitely doesn't feel like it was enough compared to my 3+ years of grad stats! So thank you again for this video and the examples!!

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much for your comment! It sounds like you’re doing really important work with your mixed methods approach-understanding the paraprofessional experience in special education is such a valuable area of research. I can imagine it’s challenging to balance the qualitative aspects with your extensive background in stats, especially given the limited qualitative training available in some programs. It’s great that you’ve taken the initiative to supplement your learning, and I’m glad the video and examples were helpful. Best of luck with your research, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions along the way!

[@wegotthistogetherdepressio3257]

Thank you for this video! It is extremely helpful. I am currently completing my doctoral dissertation on the lasting emotional and behavioral effects of toxic leadership on generation x aged employees in the United States. This is a qualitative descriptive study exploring how generation x employees describe the emotional and behavioral impact of previous toxic leadership in subsequent work environments.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for your comment! I’m so glad you found the video helpful. Your dissertation on the effects of toxic leadership on Generation X employees sounds incredibly impactful. Best of luck with your research - I’m sure it will provide valuable insights into this important issue. Keep up the great work! 🤓

[@authenticjamba]

The qualitative component of my dissertation uses Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis to study story themes in narratives written by deaf learners. Thank you for the video. It was helpful :)

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thanks for sharing! Wow, your research sounds fascinating! So pleased you found the video helpful. All the best with your studies :-)

[@kendelelakapapelo1052]

Evening Dr. Your presentation is so helpful more specially to some of us who still struggling to write research proposal. .

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m really glad the presentation has been helpful for you, especially as you work through the challenges of writing your research proposal. Just remember, it’s a process, and each step you take gets you closer to your goal. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out. Best of luck with your proposal!

[@Bourne1984]

Following on from my 2022 MSc in Public Health where I used this, I’m continuing with my Doctoral studies. I will be completing a multi method study in to working age men’s experiences supporting someone with severe mental illness. My first order perspective will use 1-1 interviews. I’m also using phenomonography with free text surveys to get an understanding of the thoughts held by professionals who are supporting these men. I will of course be using B&C TA to analyse. Great video and really well explained. I’ve subscribed thanks

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for subscribing! It sounds like you’re working on a really important and meaningful study! I’m glad to hear that you’ll be using Braun & Clarke’s Thematic Analysis to analyse your data; it’s such a powerful method for capturing the richness of personal experiences. If you have any questions or need any more insights as you progress through your doctoral studies, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your research, and thanks again for your support!

[@Bourne1984]

@@DegreeDoctorthanks so much and I might just do that. Keep up the great work

[@davidngenda5019]

Well elaborated!! Thankyou so much.

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re most welcome! All the very best with your research! 🤓

[@jopye2509]

Great video - thank you! Doing a PhD on leadership!

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re most welcome. What a great topic, I love anything leadership related!

[@MrRuhappy]

Thank you for this! I’ve done a small sample piece of research interviewing local artists and members of staff at a local art museum. I’m looking at their relationship, broad and specific barriers to artist career development, and what the museum could be doing to alleviate these barriers, and what barriers it faces to supporting local artists. I’m really new to qualitative research and haven’t done thematic analysis before, and this is really helping me break down this data!!

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for sharing, Jacob! It sounds like you’re working on a really valuable and interesting project. I’m glad the video is helping you with your thematic analysis-it can be a bit daunting when you’re new to qualitative research, but it sounds like you’re on the right track. Focusing on those relationships and barriers will definitely provide rich insights. If you have any more questions as you work through your data, don’t hesitate to reach out. Best of luck with your research!

[@MrRuhappy]

Thank you! Quick question, Ive just finished writing up my research for my first theme, should my discussion of it in context with my lit review in the theme, or should i present the results as they are, and do a discussion section afterwards?

[@drewphoebemartin3090]

I’m currently using thematic analysis for my psychology undergraduate research project and this is really helpful, thank you!

[@DegreeDoctor]

I’m so pleased it’s been useful! All the best with your project! 💪🤓

[@adimabuamark4997]

Can I ask for assistance on mine

[@DegreeDoctor]

Sure, what can I help you with?

[@anummanzoor7984]

v, nice video well explained!

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you, I’m so glad you liked it! 🙏🤓

[@lucieMe-zj4vb]

Working on end of life conversations with the elderly nurses worked experiences

[@DegreeDoctor]

That sounds like such important and meaningful research! Exploring nurses' experiences with end-of-life conversations must provide powerful insights into the challenges and complexities they face. Best of luck with your analysis-I'm sure it will contribute greatly to this crucial area of healthcare. If you need any tips on thematic analysis as you go, feel free to ask!