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 free starter guide! www.thedegreedoctor.com/braun-and-clarke-get-started-opt-in

[@LenfordKasungu]

Very helpful Doc.

[@camilab-k7y]

I sometimes watch videos without clicking the like button-it's not really a habit for me. But YOU deserve one! I'm even leaving a comment :) Thank you, Degree Doctor!

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much! Your comment made our day 😊 We really appreciate your support!

[@therapyproject9145]

same!

[@therapyproject9145]

this was the best description I've heard so far. thank you

[@DegreeDoctor]

Wow, thank you! So glad you found the video helpful :-)

[@ZainabDurrani-lf2kw]

This one is by far the best explanation of thematic analysis that I've come across. Already a fan of your style and the way you teach. More power to you!

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much, really pleased you found this helpful!

[@skyewilliameade]

This was really helpful as it confirmed what I did, although at the time I wasn’t very sure of what I was doing, I did so intuitively and with guidance from my supervisors. Thank you for speaking in a very clear and concise manner👏✨

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much for the kind feedback! It’s wonderful to hear that the video reinforced your intuitive approach - trusting your instincts combined with guidance is such a powerful way to navigate research. Best of luck as you continue your journey!

[@tracey_km_]

Wow wow wow, thank you and thank God. this video was so informative and I loved that you gave examples yet also provided diagrams to help us understand how you broke down the themes. I'm a 3rd year dietetic student currently working on my primary qualitative research (online interviews) and this video helped so much!

[@DegreeDoctor]

What a fantastic message - thank you so much! I'm thrilled to hear the examples and diagrams were helpful for you. It sounds like you're doing incredible work with your primary qualitative research, and I'm glad I could support you on this part of your journey. Best of luck with your online interviews and all the amazing insights you’ll uncover. You've got this!

[@graciegal-gb8gn]

so nice to wade through all the AI slop in the search results and find this! such a helpful video thank you x

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome! ☺️ Look out for another video coming on Monday, which focuses specifically on coding if you needed any more help with that part of the process.

[@alaysacarim4272]

For the first time, I finally understand what thematic analysis is. Thank you so much! I really like it when you made the associations. It really helped a lot.

[@DegreeDoctor]

I'm so glad it helped! Making those associations can really make thematic analysis click - great to hear it was useful for you!

[@tinaodisho]

Working on grad research paper on Posture related to screen time (mobile phones only) - this video is SO helpful.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Glad you found the video helpful! Your research on posture and screen time sounds so interesting - best of luck with it! 😊 - Team Degree Doctor

[@rottieS]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this to students and researchers all over the world! Much appreciation from Manila. This should help me earn my MS degree in clinical psychology.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Wow, thank you so much for your lovely message! I’m thrilled to know it’s helping you in your clinical psychology MS journey - best of luck, and I’m cheering you on!

[@dmthe_ZA]

Thank you so much, Doctor. The best part for me is when you are talking about generating of Codes. I used to struggle on that part. Thank you so much! 😊

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome! I’m so glad that part was helpful for you. Coding can definitely be tricky at first, but it sounds like you’ve got a great handle on it now. Keep up the great work!

[@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?

[@NomondeFoli]

Hi Degree Dr on so I couldn't resist your nice ask or interest of the research that some of us are working on using Braun and Clarke (2006) Thematic analysis. So I am on step 3 still deep into it trying to get my initial themes. My study was on teachers ICT integration for secondary school learners in SA. I did interviews and now am exploring NVivo to code and develop themes. I hope this makes sense. So far am enjoying your vlog and look forward to the rest of it. Thank you for this amazing work.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for sharing your research journey! It sounds like you're making great progress with Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis - Step 3 is such an exciting stage as you start identifying those initial themes. Using NVivo to code and develop themes can really help bring out deeper insights, especially in a study as impactful as yours on ICT integration for secondary school learners in SA. I’m glad you're finding my content helpful, and I'm cheering you on as you continue with the analysis! Keep up the amazing work, and feel free to reach out if you have any 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! 🤓

[@AngeliqueTucker-i9i]

Thank you! About to code my interviews for the impact of social media on decision making in pregnancy

[@DegreeDoctor]

What an interesting topic! Well done on getting your interviews done, that's a fantastic achievement. Let me know if you have any questions whilst you're coding - all the best!

[@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!

[@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 🤓

[@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.

[@zebalee5380]

Hello from Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Im working on family functionality and left behind adolescents. Dozens of videos I've been through and still could grasp anything. As an undergrad, I hope to continue my study straightaway after watching this video.

[@zebalee5380]

And I would be requesting you to assist me on it if it's okay with you. This analysis isn't taught as course but the courses are made according quantitative method which students mostly choose in undergraduate level.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Hello Zebalee! 😊 It’s wonderful to hear that the video has been helpful to you - you're doing an amazing job taking this on as an undergrad! Since thematic analysis isn’t covered in your course, I recommend checking out our Braun and Clarke Self-Study Guide and Worksheets. It’s a step-by-step resource designed to help you master Braun & Clarke independently. Here’s the link:🔗 www.thedegreedoctor.com/phd-survival-guides/p/braun-clarke-thematic-analysis And if you have any questions or need more support, feel free to reach out to us anytime at [e-mail] - we’re happy to help!

[@ruphinao7231]

​@@DegreeDoctorI wonder when your next discount on this guideline is forthcoming. I have been waiting for months for a price reduction. Your videos are Godsend. Thank you.

[@DegreeDoctor]

​​⁠Thank you so much for your kind words! We don’t offer discounts, but the great news is you can try the first few pages for free to see if it’s a good fit for you. Just head to the product description-it’s linked there! Hope that helps, and I’m so glad you’re finding the videos helpful! 😊

[@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 :-)

[@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!

[@michaelwebb4151]

Systematic and very helpful, thank you

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome!☺️ Glad it was helpful, let us know if you have any questions!

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@JdesignL]

Brilliant video and explanation. The best one on the subject that I've seen yet

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you found it helpful, and it means a lot to hear it’s the best one you’ve seen on the subject. I aim to make these topics as clear as possible, so your feedback is incredibly encouraging! 😊

[@JdesignL]

@@DegreeDoctor You provided me with the "Ah-ha" moment I've been searching for so 10/10 from me 👏

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@edithbiamahagyepong]

Please can you do a video on Interpretive phenomenology data analysis

[@DegreeDoctor]

Great idea! Thanks for the suggestion! We have added this to our list of 2025 topics!

[@victoriaschafranek9889]

Great explanation! Thank you :) I am working on my master thesis on the connection between semester abroad experiences and employability from an HR point of view. Do you form clusters from these themes for a final written analysis? What is the differences between clusters and themes?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Great question! Clusters often group data points that share similarities, while themes represent overarching patterns or ideas drawn from your data. Think of clusters as the building blocks that help you uncover the bigger story your data is telling. Hope that helps - and good luck with your thesis!

[@nicolabeckett6291]

Thank you, I'm about to code my interviews on desistance from CSAM offending and this has been very helpful. I was wondering on the sequence of analysis; is generating themes completed after initial coding for all interview transcripts or after every one transcript.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for your comment! I'm glad you found the video helpful. When it comes to generating themes in reflexive thematic analysis, it's generally recommended to complete your initial coding across all interview transcripts first. This way, you can get a comprehensive view of the data set and identify patterns or connections across interviews. After completing initial coding for all transcripts, you can start reviewing and refining your codes to develop themes that capture broader insights. I hope this helps, and good luck with your analysis! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

[@abubakarjabo6808]

Pls can you include all the steps in the final draft of the section or chapter

[@DegreeDoctor]

Good question! Yes, in your final draft, it’s helpful to include an overview of each step in the thematic analysis process. You don’t necessarily need to go into extreme detail for every stage, but summarising each step will give readers a clear picture of how you developed your themes. This can add depth to your analysis and strengthen the credibility of your findings. Let me know if you need any tips for organising this!

[@abubakarjabo6808]

@DegreeDoctor I don't know if I may use it in writing a Research paper or if it is only meant for a dissertation or thesis

[@DegreeDoctor]

Good question! You can absolutely use the thematic analysis process in a research paper as well as in a dissertation or thesis. For a research paper, you may need to be more concise, summarising the key steps rather than detailing everything in full. Just make sure to highlight how each stage contributes to your findings to show the rigor behind your analysis. Let me know if you need more specific guidance for a paper format!

[@imrankhanphdscholarareastu6031]

I conducted 13 semi-structured interviews, which led to the identification of 5 main themes. Under each theme, I have developed 2 to 3 key codes for explanation. I have observed that my interviewees often provide responses that are relevant to multiple codes. For instance, Interviewee A may be quoted under the code economic exclusion in one theme, and again under the code terrorism in another theme. My question is whether it is acceptable to repeat quotes from interviewees across different codes.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Great question! Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to use the same quote across multiple themes if it genuinely supports different aspects of your analysis. Just ensure that the context of the quote aligns with the theme you're using it under. It's a good idea to explain in your write-up how certain responses intersect across themes - this can really add depth to your analysis!

[@imrankhanphdscholarareastu6031]

@@DegreeDoctor thank you so much madam for your swift response..

[@lucieMe-zj4vb]

Thanks for the clear explanation.

[@DegreeDoctor]

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

[@ElinAndersson-s5g]

THIS IS AMAZING!

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you so much! We're thrilled you found it amazing! 🎉 Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. - Team Degree Doctor

[@dmthe_ZA]

For more clarity, Doc. can we expect themes to be used as Headings or subheadings in the presentation and discussion of our findings?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Great question! Yes, themes can definitely be used as headings or subheadings in the presentation and discussion of your findings. This helps to clearly organise your analysis and makes it easier for readers to follow your narrative. Just make sure each theme is well-defined and supported with examples from your data.

[@stefanocataloni9278]

Great video, thank you. Do you have anything similar for deductive thematic analysis?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thanks, you're most welcome! No, I don't have a video about deductive thematic analysis but I have just added it to my list of videos to create! If you have any questions about that method though, let me know and I will do what I can to help you ahead of the new video.

[@stefanocataloni9278]

@@DegreeDoctor thank you very much 😀

[@jopye2509]

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

[@DegreeDoctor]

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

[@davidngenda5019]

Well elaborated!! Thankyou so much.

[@DegreeDoctor]

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

[@abubakarjabo6808]

But what is the actual number of respondents for thematic analysis and how long should it take to conduct it

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thanks for your question! There isn’t a set number of respondents required for thematic analysis; it really depends on your research focus and the depth of insights you’re aiming to uncover. In qualitative research, it’s common to work with smaller samples - anywhere from 6 to 25 participants, though it can vary widely. The key is to reach ‘data saturation,’ where you’re no longer uncovering new themes. As for timing, thematic analysis can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the size of your data and the detail of analysis you’re doing. I hope this helps, and good luck with your research!

[@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

[@abubakarjabo6808]

My further question is what is the major difference between coding and themes , can one replace the other?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Great question! Coding is the initial step where you label specific segments of your data, usually based on meaningful phrases or patterns. Themes, on the other hand, are broader, more interpretive categories that emerge after coding, representing bigger ideas or patterns across the data. Coding helps you organise and distill the data, while themes help you tell the story of your findings. So, they complement each other rather than replace one another!

[@SasB2021]

Thank you for this video, love yaaa Question: Can we use TA in a political speech transcript?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Yes, absolutely! Thematic analysis (TA) can be a powerful tool for analysing political speech transcripts. By identifying recurring themes, you can gain insights into the underlying messages, rhetorical strategies, and key issues being emphasised. TA allows you to interpret not only the content but also the broader context and intentions behind the speech. Good luck, and glad you found the video helpful!

[@SasB2021]

@@DegreeDoctorOmg, you are an angel, thank u so much for this😭

[@theanonymousdog9812]

Hello Degree Doctor! Thanks for your very useful and informative video. I’m undertaking an MSc this year, investigating how using an integrative approach of counselling and coaching (effectively a dual approach) can be used to improve men’s engagement in talking therapies. For context, there are significant barriers to men accessing and engaging in counselling/psychotherapy. Only 16% of UK registered counsellors are male. Furthermore the number one cause of death for men aged under 50 is by suicide, with the proportion of suicides by men outnumbering women by 3:1. Still deciding whether to use interviews or focus group(s). However I will most likely use reflexive thematic analysis to examine my findings. Currently drafting my research proposal which is due in January, with research planned to take place in February to May 2025. Am hoping my research can help give some much needed evidence and practical solutions in improving men’s access to, and engagement in psychological therapies, as well as how therapists might facilitate better and more meaningful outcomes for their clients.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for sharing your research with me! It sounds like you're tackling such an important and impactful topic. The barriers to men engaging in mental health services definitely need more attention, and I’m glad to hear you're considering reflexive thematic analysis-it can be a powerful way to deeply explore these nuanced experiences. Whether you go with interviews or focus groups, I’m sure you’ll gain valuable insights. Good luck with your research proposal, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions along the way. You may find this recent video helpful in preparing your research proposal - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqi5coCdgZqZbK8 Your work is already making a difference by addressing these critical issues! Keep up the good work! 🌟

[@theanonymousdog9812]

Thanks Dr Yardley. Have shared your channel with the other students on my course. A very useful resource. Keep up the good work!

[@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!

[@abubakarjabo6808]

In writing the thematic analysis are you going to include all the stages in your writing or only the last stage, in other words, can you include stage 1 up to the last stage in your discussion

[@DegreeDoctor]

To answer your question: when writing up your thematic analysis, you usually include a brief overview of all the stages (from familiarisation to defining themes) to show your process, but the discussion typically focuses more on the final themes and what they reveal. Including each stage in detail can depend on your research approach and the depth expected by your institution or supervisor. Some like to see how you got there, while others focus mainly on the end results. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions!

[@sk4er]

hi i've question, i'm working on my thesis and want to use thematic analysis as my data analysis and on stage 3 we generate the themes by ourself. I'm just confused because my supervisor said that i need to make unit of analysis table (which has aspects, indicators and hypothesis) isn't that the "theme" if i use thematic? like i already make the theme before i do the interview. thank you for the vids! looking forward to the reply :)

[@DegreeDoctor]

Great question! In thematic analysis, themes are generally identified after data collection, so it makes sense to let the data guide theme development. A unit of analysis table can help you organise your ideas as a starting point, but you won’t finalise themes until you analyse your interview data. It sounds like you’re on the right track!

[@sk4er]

thank you very much! i'm in the interview stage right now hope it goes well

[@aankitpraharaj]

I really liked your presentation style and making it clear for my approach to Thematic Analysis. I am doing my research project titled 'Leveraging Voyage Optimization Tools in Shipping: A study on adoption level' for my MSc level dissertation (Sustainable Maritime Operations). My study is a Convergent Mixed Method, and for my Qualitative Data, I have interviewed 14 participants. However, I have tried to add a step before coding, i.e. synthesizing valuable information as participants sometimes just respond with a yes or no and in a very brief manner to my questions. Therefore, I have to formulate a sentence to give meaning to their response. With that sentence, I would then generate a code. One question! do you think codes are better off repeating itself or can they be distinct after reviewing all transcripts? Thank you very much.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you for sharing your approach and research details! It’s great that you’re reflecting on your process. However, in Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis, it’s important to stay as close as possible to the participants’ actual words to preserve their meaning and avoid reinterpreting their responses. By formulating sentences yourself, you risk adding your own assumptions rather than coding the participants’ authentic expressions. Instead, consider how these brief responses fit within the broader context of the interview. Are short answers a pattern across participants, or specific to certain questions? This could reveal something interesting about the topic you’re studying (e.g., limited knowledge, emotional sensitivity, or social desirability). For coding, you could: - Group short responses with related longer comments for context. - Use in vivo codes (direct quotes) when possible to stay true to their words. - Consider whether brief responses highlight themes of hesitance or certainty. Sometimes short responses can say a lot-especially when contrasted with other answers-so you can still code meaningfully without altering them. Let me know how this resonates!

[@aankitpraharaj]

@@DegreeDoctor Thank you very much for your perspective Ma'am, your tips will be really helpful to readjust my coding strategy.

[@jennateo1063]

Hello, can I check the themes that are generated from the qualitative research it has to answer the research question right? is there a limit of number of themes that you suggest for a study?

[@DegreeDoctor]

Great question! Yes, ideally, the themes you generate should relate back to your research question - they help you answer it by capturing the key patterns or insights in your data. There’s no strict limit on the number of themes, but it’s often best to aim for a manageable number - perhaps 4-7 main themes - focusing on the ones that provide the most meaningful insights and are well-supported by the data. Too many themes can dilute your analysis, so try to balance depth with clarity. Thanks for watching, and feel free to ask if you have more questions!

[@jennateo1063]

@DegreeDoctor thank you for the reply this video really help me understand better in qualitative research 😁

[@DegreeDoctor]

You're very welcome :-)

[@jennifersnart7876]

Another great video thank you. I am on a Masters in Education doing a pilot study as part of a research related module and assessment. It feels like this process could work well as a data analysis process, especially after your explanation. I know Braun and Clarke’s work isn’t education directly but would I be right in thinking that isn’t really an issue for my project if I can see how it fits? Thanks 😊

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re absolutely right! While Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis wasn’t developed specifically for education, it’s widely used across various fields because it’s such a flexible and accessible method. As long as you can see how it fits with your project and helps you make sense of your data, it’s a great choice. Many researchers adapt methodologies from other fields to suit their needs, so you’re on the right track. I have a free starter guide for Braun and Clarke that you may find helpful, it addresses some of the common questions about this approach - www.thedegreedoctor.com/braun-and-clarke-get-started-opt-in Best of luck with your pilot study! 😊

[@jennifersnart7876]

@@DegreeDoctorthank you I really appreciate your time and insight 😊

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@duygu8010]

thank you!!!!!

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome! ☺️ I hope the video was helpful!

[@RhodaKumah]

Thank you soo much

[@DegreeDoctor]

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

[@anummanzoor7984]

v, nice video well explained!

[@DegreeDoctor]

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

[@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!

[@disruptingdeathpodcast]

Digital storytelling in medical assistance in dying (MAiD) grief and bereavement in Canada

[@DegreeDoctor]

What an important topic - this offers so much scope for meaningful insights. All the very best with your research :-)

[@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!

[@therapyproject9145]

I dont understand why everyone can't make it this simple.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thanks so much for your kind words, that means a lot!

[@R0bl0x_L0v3r_3]

Viewing a house and taking a shower 😂😂

[@DegreeDoctor]

We do love analogies!

[@vijayageethapathangae607]

Qualitative study in infertility