Braun and Clarke: An Approach to Thematic Analysis

Braun and Clarke

Thematic analysis (TA) is a foundational method in qualitative research, providing a structured yet flexible approach to analyzing data. Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke’s approach to thematic analysis, introduced in their seminal 2006 paper, has become a cornerstone for researchers looking to identify, analyze, and report patterns (themes) within data. Here’s a closer look at Braun and Clarke’s method and why it’s so valuable.

What is Thematic Analysis?

Thematic analysis is a method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data. It is not tied to a particular theoretical framework, making it adaptable and versatile across various research contexts. Braun and Clarke’s approach is particularly celebrated for its clarity and accessibility, providing a detailed step-by-step guide for conducting TA.

The Six Phases of Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis

Braun and Clarke outline six key phases for conducting thematic analysis:

1. Familiarizing Yourself with the Data

The first step involves immersing yourself in the data to become deeply familiar with its content. This includes reading and re-reading the data, and noting down initial ideas. It’s a time-intensive process but crucial for understanding the depth and breadth of the content.

2. Generating Initial Codes

In this phase, you start identifying interesting features of the data systematically across the entire dataset. This involves coding segments of data that appear relevant to your research question. Codes are the smallest units of analysis that capture interesting information about the data.

3. Searching for Themes

Once you have a list of codes, the next step is to collate them into potential themes. Themes are broader than codes and represent significant patterns in the data. During this phase, you start organizing codes into overarching themes and sub-themes.

4. Reviewing Themes

In this phase, you refine the themes. This involves two levels of review: checking that the themes work in relation to the coded extracts and the entire dataset. If themes do not work, you need to revisit and revise them. This ensures that your themes are coherent and accurately represent the data.

5. Defining and Naming Themes

Here, you refine each theme and identify the essence of what each theme is about. You define the specifics of each theme and the overall story they tell about the data. Clear and concise names for each theme are developed to reflect the content and scope of the themes.

6. Producing the Report

The final phase involves writing up the analysis. This includes weaving together the analytic narrative and data extracts to tell the story of the data in a compelling way. The report should provide a coherent, concise, logical, and non-repetitive account of the data within and across themes.

Braun and Clarke’s Process for Thematic Analysis

Why Choose Braun and Clarke’s Approach?

Braun and Clarke’s method is highly regarded for several reasons:

  • Flexibility: Their approach is not tied to any specific theoretical framework, making it adaptable to a variety of research questions and data types.
  • Clarity: The step-by-step guide is straightforward and detailed, making it accessible even for novice researchers.
  • Rigour: By emphasizing the thorough and systematic analysis of data, their approach ensures that the findings are robust and credible.

Practical Tips for Conducting Thematic Analysis

  1. Stay Organized: Use software tools like NVivo or Atlas.ti to manage and code your data efficiently.
  2. Be Reflexive: Reflect on your own biases and how they may influence your analysis.
  3. Engage with the Data: Spend ample time immersing yourself in the data to uncover deeper meanings.
  4. Iterate: Be prepared to revise your codes and themes multiple times to ensure they accurately capture the data.
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Summary

Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis is a powerful tool for qualitative researchers, offering a systematic yet flexible approach to analyzing rich, qualitative data. By following their six-phase process, researchers can produce insightful and credible findings that capture the complexities of their data. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a novice, their method provides a robust framework for your qualitative analysis journey.


Recommended reading

Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology, Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3:2, 77-101, DOI: 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa


Glenn Stevens

Glenn is an academic writing and research specialist with 15 years experience as a writing coach and PhD supervisor. Also a qualified English teacher, he previously had an extensive career in publishing. He is currently the editor of this website. Glenn lives in the UK.
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