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Thematic Analysis
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Thematic Analysis
A Practical Guide

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December 2021 | 376 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

**Winner of the 2022 British Psychological Society Book Award - Textbook Category**

Developed and adapted by the authors of this book, thematic analysis (TA) is one of the most popular qualitative data analytic techniques in psychology and the social and health sciences.

Building on the success of Braun & Clarke’s 2006 paper first outlining their approach – which has over 100,000 citations on GoogleScholar – this book is the definitive guide to TA, covering:

-          Contextualisation of TA

-          Developing themes

-          Writing TA reports

-          Reflexive TA

It addresses the common questions surrounding TA as well as developments in the field, offering a highly accessible and practical discussion of doing TA situated within a clear understanding of the wider terrain of qualitative research.

Virginia Braun is a Professor in the School of Psychology at The University of Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Victoria Clarke is an Associate Professor in Qualitative and Critical Psychology in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol.


 
Section One: Venturing forth! Doing reflexive thematic analysis
 
Chapter One: It’s almost time to depart: Getting ready for your thematic analysis adventure
Before analysis: A brief design interlude

 
 
Chapter Two: Taking an initial lay of the land: Introducing our worked example dataset and doing familiarisation
 
Chapter Three: Exploring this world in detail: Doing coding
 
Chapter Four: Finding, losing, then finding your way again: Developing your themes
 
Chapter Five: Arriving home and telling a story about your adventure: Writing your thematic analysis report
 
Section Two: Going deeper for tip-top reflexive thematic analysis: Theory, interpretation, and quality matters
 
Chapter Six: A not-so-scary theory chapter: Conceptually locating reflexive thematic analysis
 
Chapter Seven: So what? The importance of interpretation in reflexive thematic analysis
 
Chapter Eight: One big happy family? Understanding similarities and differences between reflexive TA and its methodological siblings and cousins
 
Chapter Nine: Getting your own house in order: Understanding what makes good reflexive thematic analysis to ensure quality

Supplements

Thematic Analysis Webinars
In our webinar series, Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke discuss all things Thematic Analysis (TA).  From themes and saturation to approaches and reflexivity, get answers to all your questions while learning to overcome challenges and embrace good practice when doing Reflexive TA.

An excellent practical tool book for all levels of qualitative researchers

Ms Rachel Howe
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems , University College Dublin
July 7, 2022

I found this to be a very useful, well set out and accessible guide to introduce students to the core features of thematic analysis for qualitative research.

Dr Chris McInerney
Department of Politics & Public Administration , University of Limerick
September 8, 2022

Clear process outline.

Dr Jessica Runacres
Health & Social Care (Stafford), Staffordshire University
May 30, 2022

Continuing in the vein of previous work by Braun and Clarke in this area, this book is an excellent resource for research students of all levels and, particularly for those beginning the research journey. In addition, it is also a most welcome resource for those of us involved in teaching and supervising students engaged in using Thematic Analysis.

With a very practical focus, the book is pitched at a most accessible level and guides the researcher carefully and in detail through the research process from initial design to the final research report.

Section II considers broader issues around Thematic Analysis and its relationship with other approaches. This will be particularly valuable for more advanced research students or those who want to explore the area in more detail.

As not all of the research students on our programme will undertake Thematic Analysis in their projects, it is not feasible to suggest it as a mandatory textbook. However, for anyone undertaking Thematic Analysis, I will strongly recommend it as the go-to textbook. In addition, I will recommend that our Library order a number of copies.

Mr Gerry Gallagher
Centre of Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT)., Dundalk Institute of Technology
January 31, 2022

My students do qualitative research projects and this book will prove to be very helpful to them. I normally tell them to read the authors seminal paper. I have asked the library to obtain copies of this book

Dr Anne Elliott
London Sport Institute, Middlesex University
November 15, 2021

I love it! Very well written, excellent step by step descriptions and good examples. I have reccommended it to collegues in other master programmes and to all my master students doing appropriate qualitative studies:)

Dr Mette Toien
Nursing, University College of Southeast Norway
September 13, 2022

This is an excellent introduction into thematic analysis for beginners and for confirmed practitioners/researchers.
Easy to follow and comprehensive.

Dr Jeane Gerard
Department of History, Sociology & Criminology, Westminster University
March 1, 2022

This text is a long-awaited update on the topic. It is very accessible for students and provides in-depth thinking about a data analysis approach which is increasing in popularity amongst students.

Mr Tristan Middleton
Department of Education, Gloucestershire University
December 17, 2021

Very practical easy to follow guide for students completing a dissertation using thematic analysis. The checklist is especially helpful for students.

Dr Kim Turner
Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University
October 3, 2022
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