Reflexive Thematic Analysis

ThemeLab implements the six-phase reflexive thematic analysis approach outlined by Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke (2006, 2019).

The Six Phases

Phase 1: Familiarizing Yourself with the Data

Goal: Immerse yourself in the data to become deeply familiar with its content.

In ThemeLab:

  • Upload interview transcripts
  • Read and re-read transcripts multiple times
  • Use the memo feature to note initial ideas and observations
  • Document patterns that begin to emerge

Phase 2: Generating Initial Codes

Goal: Systematically code interesting features across the entire dataset.

In ThemeLab:

  • Select text segments directly from transcripts
  • Create descriptive code labels
  • Apply codes to relevant text segments
  • Work systematically through all transcripts
  • Codes are saved with links to original excerpts

Phase 3: Searching for Themes

Goal: Examine codes and collate them into potential themes.

In ThemeLab:

  • Review your code list with frequency counts
  • Identify patterns and relationships between codes
  • Begin grouping related codes
  • Consider what broader themes emerge

Phase 4: Reviewing Themes

Goal: Refine themes to ensure they work in relation to coded data and entire dataset.

In ThemeLab:

  • Use the theme builder to review potential themes
  • Check that data within themes coheres meaningfully
  • Ensure themes are distinct from each other
  • Re-assign codes as needed
  • Merge, split, or discard themes as appropriate

Phase 5: Defining and Naming Themes

Goal: Define what each theme is about and generate clear definitions.

In ThemeLab:

  • Write clear, concise theme names
  • Provide detailed descriptions of what each theme captures
  • Document your rationale for grouping codes together
  • Articulate the "story" each theme tells

Phase 6: Producing the Report

Goal: Write up your analysis in a compelling and coherent way.

In ThemeLab:

  • Export theme summaries with descriptions and codes
  • Include sample quotes from coded segments
  • Access frequency data to support your analysis
  • Export complete project data for archival

Key Principles

Reflexivity

The researcher's subjectivity is acknowledged as a resource rather than a threat to validity.

Flexibility

The method can be applied across different epistemological frameworks and research questions.

Iterative

Analysis is recursive rather than linear, moving back and forth between phases.

Rigorous

Systematic and thorough engagement with data through careful coding and theme development.

References

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589-597.