Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
Date: August 28, 2013
Author(s): Virginia Braun, Victoria Clarke
The paper serves as a reflection on their original work and a clarification of the reflexive thematic analysis (TA) approach. The authors explore how their method has evolved and understood in the wider academic community. While addressing the challenges of applying their approach correctly, the authors distinguish their version of TA from other similar methods.
Who is the research about?
This paper is aimed primarily at qualitative researchers who are considering using thematic analysis or are already using it for their research. Though it specifically targets those who are working in fields such as health, sport, and exercise, the paper is also for doctoral researchers, methodologists.
Methodology
This commentary paper was developed through a conceptual and reflective process, which included:
- Critical review of existing TA literature
- Iterative reflection on previous work and theoretical assumptions
- Collaborative ongoing discussions with researchers to refine TA
- Self-reflective writing process to evolve their own work
Key findings
The paper provides several important insights to help shape the way thematic analysis is understood such as:
- Addressing the misapplications of TA by conflating it with other approaches.
- Researchers must be aware of their own biases and assumptions when generating and interpreting themes, requiring a reflective engagement with both the data and analysis.
- Themes are not discovered but actively constructed through a process of interpretation.
- Flexibility and adaptability are key for reflexive TA, allowing for organic and evolving analysis.
Why does it matter?
The importance and implications of reflexive thematic analysis for qualitative research:
- Encourages researchers to engage deeply with their research making it a more nuanced and theoretically informed approach compared to other forms of coding.
- Allows for improved research practice by being deliberate and thoughtful about the data analysis process.
- By understanding applying reflexive TA, researcher can avoid common mistake and ensure meaningful interpretation of data.
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