thematic analysis essay definition

What (Exactly) Is Thematic Analysis?

Plain-Language Explanation & Definition (With Examples)

By: Jenna Crosley (PhD). Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | April 2021

Thematic analysis is one of the most popular qualitative analysis techniques we see students opting for at Grad Coach – and for good reason. Despite its relative simplicity, thematic analysis can be a very powerful analysis technique when used correctly. In this post, we’ll unpack thematic analysis using plain language (and loads of examples) so that you can conquer your analysis with confidence.

Thematic Analysis 101

• Basic terminology relating to thematic analysis
• What is thematic analysis
• When to use thematic analysis
• The main approaches to thematic analysis
• The three types of thematic analysis
• How to “do” thematic analysis (the process)
• Tips and suggestions

First, the lingo…

Before we begin, let’s first lay down some terminology. When undertaking thematic analysis, you’ll make use of codes . A code is a label assigned to a piece of text, and the aim of using a code is to identify and summarise important concepts within a set of data, such as an interview transcript.

For example, if you had the sentence, “My rabbit ate my shoes”, you could use the codes “rabbit” or “shoes” to highlight these two concepts. The process of assigning codes is called coding. If this is a new concept to you, be sure to check out our detailed post about qualitative coding .

Codes are vital as they lay a foundation for themes . But what exactly is a theme? Simply put, a theme is a pattern that can be identified within a data set. In other words, it’s a topic or concept that pops up repeatedly throughout your data. Grouping your codes into themes serves as a way of summarising sections of your data in a useful way that helps you answer your research question(s) and achieve your research aim(s).

Alright – with that out of the way, let’s jump into the wonderful world of thematic analysis…

What is thematic analysis?

Thematic analysis is the study of patterns to uncover meaning . In other words, it’s about analysing the patterns and themes within your data set to identify the underlying meaning. Importantly, this process is driven by your research aims and questions , so it’s not necessary to identify every possible theme in the data, but rather to focus on the key aspects that relate to your research questions .

Although the research questions are a driving force in thematic analysis (and pretty much all analysis methods), it’s important to remember that these questions are not necessarily fixed . As thematic analysis tends to be a bit of an exploratory process, research questions can evolve as you progress with your coding and theme identification.

When should you use thematic analysis?

There are many potential qualitative analysis methods that you can use to analyse a dataset. For example, content analysis , discourse analysis , and narrative analysis are popular choices. So why use thematic analysis?

Thematic analysis is highly beneficial when working with large bodies of data ,  as it allows you to divide and categorise large amounts of data in a way that makes it easier to digest. Thematic analysis is particularly useful when looking for subjective information , such as a participant’s experiences, views, and opinions. For this reason, thematic analysis is often conducted on data derived from interviews , conversations, open-ended survey responses , and social media posts.

Your research questions can also give you an idea of whether you should use thematic analysis or not. For example, if your research questions were to be along the lines of:

• How do dog walkers perceive rules and regulations on dog-friendly beaches?
• What are students’ experiences with the shift to online learning?
• What opinions do health professionals hold about the Hippocratic code?
• How is gender constructed in a high school classroom setting?

These examples are all research questions centering on the subjective experiences of participants and aim to assess experiences, views, and opinions. Therefore, thematic analysis presents a possible approach.

In short, thematic analysis is a good choice when you are wanting to categorise large bodies of data (although the data doesn’t necessarily have to be large), particularly when you are interested in subjective experiences .

What are the main approaches?

Broadly speaking, there are two overarching approaches to thematic analysis: inductive and deductive . The approach you take will depend on what is most suitable in light of your research aims and questions. Let’s have a look at the options.

The inductive approach

The inductive approach involves deriving meaning and creating themes from data without any preconceptions . In other words, you’d dive into your analysis without any idea of what codes and themes will emerge, and thus allow these to emerge from the data.

For example, if you’re investigating typical lunchtime conversational topics in a university faculty, you’d enter the research without any preconceived codes, themes or expected outcomes. Of course, you may have thoughts about what might be discussed (e.g., academic matters because it’s an academic setting), but the objective is to not let these preconceptions inform your analysis.

The inductive approach is best suited to research aims and questions that are exploratory in nature , and cases where there is little existing research on the topic of interest.

The deductive approach

In contrast to the inductive approach, a deductive approach involves jumping into your analysis with a pre-determined set of codes . Usually, this approach is informed by prior knowledge and/or existing theory or empirical research (which you’d cover in your literature review ).

For example, a researcher examining the impact of a specific psychological intervention on mental health outcomes may draw on an existing theoretical framework that includes concepts such as coping strategies, social support, and self-efficacy, using these as a basis for a set of pre-determined codes.

The deductive approach is best suited to research aims and questions that are confirmatory in nature , and cases where there is a lot of existing research on the topic of interest.

Regardless of whether you take the inductive or deductive approach, you’ll also need to decide what level of content your analysis will focus on – specifically, the semantic level or the latent level.

A semantic-level focus ignores the underlying meaning of data , and identifies themes based only on what is explicitly or overtly stated or written – in other words, things are taken at face value.

In contrast, a latent-level focus concentrates on the underlying meanings and looks at the reasons for semantic content. Furthermore, in contrast to the semantic approach, a latent approach involves an element of interpretation , where data is not just taken at face value, but meanings are also theorised.

“But how do I know when to use what approach?”, I hear you ask.

Well, this all depends on the type of data you’re analysing and what you’re trying to achieve with your analysis. For example, if you’re aiming to analyse explicit opinions expressed in interviews and you know what you’re looking for ahead of time (based on a collection of prior studies), you may choose to take a deductive approach with a semantic-level focus.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to explore the underlying meaning expressed by participants in a focus group, and you don’t have any preconceptions about what to expect, you’ll likely opt for an inductive approach with a latent-level focus.

Simply put, the nature and focus of your research, especially your research aims , objectives and questions will  inform the approach you take to thematic analysis.

What are the types of thematic analysis?

Now that you’ve got an understanding of the overarching approaches to thematic analysis, it’s time to have a look at the different types of thematic analysis you can conduct. Broadly speaking, there are three “types” of thematic analysis:

• Reflexive thematic analysis
• Codebook thematic analysis
• Coding reliability thematic analysis

Let’s have a look at each of these:

Reflexive thematic analysis takes an inductive approach, letting the codes and themes emerge from that data. This type of thematic analysis is very flexible, as it allows researchers to change, remove, and add codes as they work through the data. As the name suggests, reflexive thematic analysis emphasizes the active engagement of the researcher in critically reflecting on their assumptions, biases, and interpretations, and how these may shape the analysis.

Reflexive thematic analysis typically involves iterative and reflexive cycles of coding, interpreting, and reflecting on data, with the aim of producing nuanced and contextually sensitive insights into the research topic, while at the same time recognising and addressing the subjective nature of the research process.

Codebook thematic analysis , on the other hand, lays on the opposite end of the spectrum. Taking a deductive approach, this type of thematic analysis makes use of structured codebooks containing clearly defined, predetermined codes. These codes are typically drawn from a combination of existing theoretical theories, empirical studies and prior knowledge of the situation.

Codebook thematic analysis aims to produce reliable and consistent findings. Therefore, it’s often used in studies where a clear and predefined coding framework is desired to ensure rigour and consistency in data analysis.

Coding reliability thematic analysis necessitates the work of multiple coders, and the design is specifically intended for research teams. With this type of analysis, codebooks are typically fixed and are rarely altered.

The benefit of this form of analysis is that it brings an element of intercoder reliability where coders need to agree upon the codes used, which means that the outcome is more rigorous as the element of subjectivity is reduced. In other words, multiple coders discuss which codes should be used and which shouldn’t, and this consensus reduces the bias of having one individual coder decide upon themes.

Quick Recap: Thematic analysis approaches and types

To recap, the two main approaches to thematic analysis are inductive , and deductive . Then we have the three types of thematic analysis: reflexive, codebook and coding reliability . Which type of thematic analysis you opt for will need to be informed by factors such as:

• The approach you are taking. For example, if you opt for an inductive approach, you’ll likely utilise reflexive thematic analysis.
• Whether you’re working alone or in a group . It’s likely that, if you’re doing research as part of your postgraduate studies, you’ll be working alone. This means that you’ll need to choose between reflexive and codebook thematic analysis.

Now that we’ve covered the “what” in terms of thematic analysis approaches and types, it’s time to look at the “how” of thematic analysis.

Need a helping hand?

How to “do” thematic analysis

At this point, you’re ready to get going with your analysis, so let’s dive right into the thematic analysis process. Keep in mind that what we’ll cover here is a generic process, and the relevant steps will vary depending on the approach and type of thematic analysis you opt for.

Step 1: Get familiar with the data

The first step in your thematic analysis involves getting a feel for your data and seeing what general themes pop up. If you’re working with audio data, this is where you’ll do the transcription , converting audio to text.

At this stage, you’ll want to come up with preliminary thoughts about what you’ll code , what codes you’ll use for them, and what codes will accurately describe your content. It’s a good idea to revisit your research topic , and your aims and objectives at this stage. For example, if you’re looking at what people feel about different types of dogs, you can code according to when different breeds are mentioned (e.g., border collie, Labrador, corgi) and when certain feelings/emotions are brought up.

As a general tip, it’s a good idea to keep a reflexivity journal . This is where you’ll write down how you coded your data, why you coded your data in that particular way, and what the outcomes of this data coding are. Using a reflexive journal from the start will benefit you greatly in the final stages of your analysis because you can reflect on the coding process and assess whether you have coded in a manner that is reliable and whether your codes and themes support your findings.

As you can imagine, a reflexivity journal helps to increase reliability as it allows you to analyse your data systematically and consistently. If you choose to make use of a reflexivity journal, this is the stage where you’ll want to take notes about your initial codes and list them in your journal so that you’ll have an idea of what exactly is being reflected in your data. At a later stage in the analysis, this data can be more thoroughly coded, or the identified codes can be divided into more specific ones.

Step 2: Search for patterns or themes in the codes

Step 2! You’re going strong. In this step, you’ll want to look out for patterns or themes in your codes. Moving from codes to themes is not necessarily a smooth or linear process. As you become more and more familiar with the data, you may find that you need to assign different codes or themes according to new elements you find. For example, if you were analysing a text talking about wildlife, you may come across the codes, “pigeon”, “canary” and “budgerigar” which can fall under the theme of birds.

As you work through the data, you may start to identify subthemes , which are subdivisions of themes that focus specifically on an aspect within the theme that is significant or relevant to your research question. For example, if your theme is a university, your subthemes could be faculties or departments at that university.

In this stage of the analysis, your reflexivity journal entries need to reflect how codes were interpreted and combined to form themes.

Step 3: Review themes

By now you’ll have a good idea of your codes, themes, and potentially subthemes. Now it’s time to review all the themes you’ve identified . In this step, you’ll want to check that everything you’ve categorised as a theme actually fits the data, whether the themes do indeed exist in the data, whether there are any themes missing , and whether you can move on to the next step knowing that you’ve coded all your themes accurately and comprehensively . If you find that your themes have become too broad and there is far too much information under one theme, it may be useful to split this into more themes so that you’re able to be more specific with your analysis.

In your reflexivity journal, you’ll want to write about how you understood the themes and how they are supported by evidence, as well as how the themes fit in with your codes. At this point, you’ll also want to revisit your research questions and make sure that the data and themes you’ve identified are directly relevant to these questions .

Step 4: Finalise Themes

By this point, your analysis will really start to take shape. In the previous step, you reviewed and refined your themes, and now it’s time to label and finalise them . It’s important to note here that, just because you’ve moved onto the next step, it doesn’t mean that you can’t go back and revise or rework your themes. In contrast to the previous step, finalising your themes means spelling out what exactly the themes consist of, and describe them in detail . If you struggle with this, you may want to return to your data to make sure that your data and coding do represent the themes, and if you need to divide your themes into more themes (i.e., return to step 3).

When you name your themes, make sure that you select labels that accurately encapsulate the properties of the theme . For example, a theme name such as “enthusiasm in professionals” leaves the question of “who are the professionals?”, so you’d want to be more specific and label the theme as something along the lines of “enthusiasm in healthcare professionals”.

It is very important at this stage that you make sure that your themes align with your research aims and questions . When you’re finalising your themes, you’re also nearing the end of your analysis and need to keep in mind that your final report (discussed in the next step) will need to fit in with the aims and objectives of your research.

In your reflexivity journal, you’ll want to write down a few sentences describing your themes and how you decided on these. Here, you’ll also want to mention how the theme will contribute to the outcomes of your research, and also what it means in relation to your research questions and focus of your research.

By the end of this stage, you’ll be done with your themes – meaning it’s time to write up your findings and produce a report.

Step 5: Produce your report

You’re nearly done! Now that you’ve analysed your data, it’s time to report on your findings. A typical thematic analysis report consists of:

• An introduction
• A methodology section
• Your results and findings
• A conclusion

When writing your report, make sure that you provide enough information for a reader to be able to evaluate the rigour of your analysis. In other words, the reader needs to know the exact process you followed when analysing your data and why. The questions of “what”, “how”, “why”, “who”, and “when” may be useful in this section.

So, what did you investigate? How did you investigate it? Why did you choose this particular method? Who does your research focus on, and who are your participants? When did you conduct your research, when did you collect your data, and when was the data produced? Your reflexivity journal will come in handy here as within it you’ve already labelled, described, and supported your themes.

If you’re undertaking a thematic analysis as part of a dissertation or thesis, this discussion will be split across your methodology, results and discussion chapters . For more information about those chapters, check out our detailed post about dissertation structure .

It’s absolutely vital that, when writing up your results, you back up every single one of your findings with quotations . The reader needs to be able to see that what you’re reporting actually exists within the results. Also make sure that, when reporting your findings, you tie them back to your research questions . You don’t want your reader to be looking through your findings and asking, “So what?”, so make sure that every finding you represent is relevant to your research topic and questions.

Quick Recap: How to “do” thematic analysis

Getting familiar with your data: Here you’ll read through your data and get a general overview of what you’re working with. At this stage, you may identify a few general codes and themes that you’ll make use of in the next step.

Search for patterns or themes in your codes : Here you’ll dive into your data and pick out the themes and codes relevant to your research question(s).

Review themes : In this step, you’ll revisit your codes and themes to make sure that they are all truly representative of the data, and that you can use them in your final report.

Finalise themes : Here’s where you “solidify” your analysis and make it report-ready by describing and defining your themes.

Produce your report : This is the final step of your thematic analysis process, where you put everything you’ve found together and report on your findings.

Tips & Suggestions

In the video below, we share 6 time-saving tips and tricks to help you approach your thematic analysis as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Wrapping Up

In this article, we’ve covered the basics of thematic analysis – what it is, when to use it, the different approaches and types of thematic analysis, and how to perform a thematic analysis.

If you have any questions about thematic analysis, drop a comment below and we’ll do our best to assist. If you’d like 1-on-1 support with your thematic analysis, be sure to check out our research coaching services here .

Psst… there’s more (for free)

This post is part of our dissertation mini-course, which covers everything you need to get started with your dissertation, thesis or research project. 

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21 Comments

I really appreciate the help

Hello Sir, how many levels of coding can be done in thematic analysis? We generate codes from the transcripts, then subthemes from the codes and themes from subthemes, isn’t it? Should these themes be again grouped together? how many themes can be derived?can you please share an example of coding through thematic analysis in a tabular format?

I’ve found the article very educative and useful

Excellent. Very helpful and easy to understand.

This article so far has been most helpful in understanding how to write an analysis chapter. Thank you.

My research topic is the challenges face by the school principal on the process of procurement . Thematic analysis is it sutable fir data analysis ?

It is a great help. Thanks.

Best advice. Worth reading. Thank you.

Where can I find an example of a template analysis table ?

Finally I got the best article . I wish they also have every psychology topics.

Hello, Sir/Maam

I am actually finding difficulty in doing qualitative analysis of my data and how to triangulate this with quantitative data. I encountered your web by accident in the process of searching for a much simplified way of explaining about thematic analysis such as coding, thematic analysis, write up. When your query if I need help popped up, I was hesitant to answer. Because I think this is for fee and I cannot afford. So May I just ask permission to copy for me to read and guide me to study so I can apply it myself for my gathered qualitative data for my graduate study.

Thank you very much! this is very helpful to me in my Graduate research qualitative data analysis.

Thank you very much. I find your guidance here helpful. Kindly let help me understand how to write findings and discussions.

i am having troubles with the concept of framework analysis which i did not find here and i have been an assignment on framework analysis

I was discouraged and felt insecure because after more than a year of writing my thesis, my work seemed lost its direction after being checked. But, I am truly grateful because through the comments, corrections, and guidance of the wisdom of my director, I can already see the bright light because of thematic analysis. I am working with Biblical Texts. And thematic analysis will be my method. Thank you.

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• How to Do Thematic Analysis | Guide & Examples

How to Do Thematic Analysis | Guide & Examples

Published on 5 May 2022 by Jack Caulfield .

Thematic analysis is a method of analysing qualitative data . It is usually applied to a set of texts, such as an interview or transcripts . The researcher closely examines the data to identify common themes, topics, ideas and patterns of meaning that come up repeatedly.

There are various approaches to conducting thematic analysis, but the most common form follows a six-step process:

• Familiarisation
• Generating themes
• Reviewing themes
• Defining and naming themes

This process was originally developed for psychology research by Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke . However, thematic analysis is a flexible method that can be adapted to many different kinds of research.

Table of contents

When to use thematic analysis, different approaches to thematic analysis, step 1: familiarisation, step 2: coding, step 3: generating themes, step 4: reviewing themes, step 5: defining and naming themes, step 6: writing up.

Thematic analysis is a good approach to research where you’re trying to find out something about people’s views, opinions, knowledge, experiences, or values from a set of qualitative data – for example, interview transcripts , social media profiles, or survey responses .

Some types of research questions you might use thematic analysis to answer:

• How do patients perceive doctors in a hospital setting?
• What are young women’s experiences on dating sites?
• What are non-experts’ ideas and opinions about climate change?
• How is gender constructed in secondary school history teaching?

To answer any of these questions, you would collect data from a group of relevant participants and then analyse it. Thematic analysis allows you a lot of flexibility in interpreting the data, and allows you to approach large datasets more easily by sorting them into broad themes.

However, it also involves the risk of missing nuances in the data. Thematic analysis is often quite subjective and relies on the researcher’s judgement, so you have to reflect carefully on your own choices and interpretations.

Pay close attention to the data to ensure that you’re not picking up on things that are not there – or obscuring things that are.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Once you’ve decided to use thematic analysis, there are different approaches to consider.

There’s the distinction between inductive and deductive approaches:

• An inductive approach involves allowing the data to determine your themes.
• A deductive approach involves coming to the data with some preconceived themes you expect to find reflected there, based on theory or existing knowledge.

There’s also the distinction between a semantic and a latent approach:

• A semantic approach involves analysing the explicit content of the data.
• A latent approach involves reading into the subtext and assumptions underlying the data.

After you’ve decided thematic analysis is the right method for analysing your data, and you’ve thought about the approach you’re going to take, you can follow the six steps developed by Braun and Clarke .

The first step is to get to know our data. It’s important to get a thorough overview of all the data we collected before we start analysing individual items.

This might involve transcribing audio , reading through the text and taking initial notes, and generally looking through the data to get familiar with it.

Next up, we need to code the data. Coding means highlighting sections of our text – usually phrases or sentences – and coming up with shorthand labels or ‘codes’ to describe their content.

Let’s take a short example text. Say we’re researching perceptions of climate change among conservative voters aged 50 and up, and we have collected data through a series of interviews. An extract from one interview looks like this:

In this extract, we’ve highlighted various phrases in different colours corresponding to different codes. Each code describes the idea or feeling expressed in that part of the text.

At this stage, we want to be thorough: we go through the transcript of every interview and highlight everything that jumps out as relevant or potentially interesting. As well as highlighting all the phrases and sentences that match these codes, we can keep adding new codes as we go through the text.

After we’ve been through the text, we collate together all the data into groups identified by code. These codes allow us to gain a condensed overview of the main points and common meanings that recur throughout the data.

Next, we look over the codes we’ve created, identify patterns among them, and start coming up with themes.

Themes are generally broader than codes. Most of the time, you’ll combine several codes into a single theme. In our example, we might start combining codes into themes like this:

At this stage, we might decide that some of our codes are too vague or not relevant enough (for example, because they don’t appear very often in the data), so they can be discarded.

Other codes might become themes in their own right. In our example, we decided that the code ‘uncertainty’ made sense as a theme, with some other codes incorporated into it.

Again, what we decide will vary according to what we’re trying to find out. We want to create potential themes that tell us something helpful about the data for our purposes.

Now we have to make sure that our themes are useful and accurate representations of the data. Here, we return to the dataset and compare our themes against it. Are we missing anything? Are these themes really present in the data? What can we change to make our themes work better?

If we encounter problems with our themes, we might split them up, combine them, discard them, or create new ones: whatever makes them more useful and accurate.

For example, we might decide upon looking through the data that ‘changing terminology’ fits better under the ‘uncertainty’ theme than under ‘distrust of experts’, since the data labelled with this code involves confusion, not necessarily distrust.

Now that you have a final list of themes, it’s time to name and define each of them.

Defining themes involves formulating exactly what we mean by each theme and figuring out how it helps us understand the data.

Naming themes involves coming up with a succinct and easily understandable name for each theme.

For example, we might look at ‘distrust of experts’ and determine exactly who we mean by ‘experts’ in this theme. We might decide that a better name for the theme is ‘distrust of authority’ or ‘conspiracy thinking’.

Finally, we’ll write up our analysis of the data. Like all academic texts, writing up a thematic analysis requires an introduction to establish our research question, aims, and approach.

We should also include a methodology section, describing how we collected the data (e.g., through semi-structured interviews or open-ended survey questions ) and explaining how we conducted the thematic analysis itself.

The results or findings section usually addresses each theme in turn. We describe how often the themes come up and what they mean, including examples from the data as evidence. Finally, our conclusion explains the main takeaways and shows how the analysis has answered our research question.

In our example, we might argue that conspiracy thinking about climate change is widespread among older conservative voters, point out the uncertainty with which many voters view the issue, and discuss the role of misinformation in respondents’ perceptions.

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What is Thematic Analysis and How to Do It Step-By-Step?

Appinio Research · 03.11.2023 · 33min read

Have you ever wondered how researchers make sense of the rich tapestry of qualitative data they gather from interviews, surveys, or textual sources? Thematic analysis serves as their guiding compass in unraveling the intricate stories within the data.

In this guide, we dive deep into thematic analysis, exploring its definition, purpose, applications, and step-by-step methodologies. Whether you're a seasoned researcher seeking to refine your qualitative analysis skills or a novice embarking on your research journey, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to unlock the hidden meanings and patterns within your data.

What is Thematic Analysis?

Thematic analysis is a qualitative research method that involves systematically identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns or themes within qualitative data. Its primary purpose is to uncover the underlying meanings and concepts embedded in textual, visual, or audio data.

Thematic analysis aims to provide a structured and comprehensive understanding of the content, enabling researchers to explore complex phenomena and answer research questions effectively.

Purpose of Thematic Analysis

• Data Exploration: Thematic analysis allows researchers to explore rich and unstructured qualitative data, such as interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, or written narratives. It helps reveal hidden insights that may not be apparent at first glance.
• Pattern Identification: The method is designed to identify patterns, recurring ideas, and common threads within the data. By categorizing data into themes, researchers can make sense of complex information.
• Contextual Understanding: Thematic analysis places a strong emphasis on understanding the context surrounding the data. It seeks to uncover the contextual factors that influence the emergence of specific themes.
• Interpretation and Explanation: It enables researchers to interpret and explain the meaning of the identified themes. Thematic analysis provides a deeper understanding of the phenomena under investigation.
• Theory Development: Thematic analysis can contribute to theory development by generating new concepts or refining existing theories. It helps researchers make theoretical connections based on empirical evidence.
• Practical Applications: Thematic analysis findings can have practical applications in various fields, such as healthcare, social sciences, business, and education. It informs decision-making, policy development, product improvement, and more.

In summary, the purpose of thematic analysis is to distill qualitative data into meaningful themes, providing researchers with a structured, interpretable, and contextually grounded understanding of the subject of study.

Importance of Thematic Analysis in Research

Thematic analysis holds significant importance in the field of research for several key reasons:

• Data Reduction and Organization: Qualitative data can be voluminous and unstructured. Thematic analysis acts as a powerful tool to reduce this complexity by organizing data into manageable themes and patterns. This reduction in data size makes it easier to extract meaningful insights.
• In-Depth Exploration: Thematic analysis enables researchers to conduct in-depth exploration of qualitative data. By identifying and examining themes, researchers can uncover nuances, contradictions, and intricacies within the data that may go unnoticed through other methods.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Thematic analysis is highly flexible and adaptable to various research contexts and data types. It can be applied to textual data, visual data, audio data, and combinations thereof. Researchers can tailor the analysis to suit their specific research questions and objectives.
• Contextual Understanding: Thematic analysis places a strong emphasis on understanding the context in which data is generated. This contextual understanding is essential for accurate interpretation and meaningful insights.
• Theory Development and Testing: Thematic analysis can contribute to theory development by identifying patterns and concepts that inform or extend existing theories. It also allows researchers to test the applicability of theoretical frameworks in real-world settings.
• Practical Applications: The findings of thematic analysis have practical applications in diverse fields. They inform decision-making, guide policy development, drive product improvements, and provide valuable insights for addressing real-world challenges.
• Interdisciplinary Relevance: Thematic analysis transcends disciplinary boundaries, making it applicable in fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, education, healthcare , marketing, and more. Its interdisciplinary relevance enhances its utility in research.

In summary, thematic analysis plays a pivotal role in research by facilitating the systematic exploration and interpretation of qualitative data, leading to a deeper understanding of complex phenomena and informing decision-making and theory development across various domains.

How to Prepare for Thematic Analysis?

Before you embark on your thematic analysis journey, thorough preparation is vital. We'll delve into the main steps involved in getting your qualitative data ready for analysis.

1. Data Collection and Selection

Data collection is the foundation of any qualitative research project. You need to carefully plan, gather, and select your data to ensure it aligns with your research objectives.

• Research Goals: Clearly define your research questions or objectives. Your data should directly relate to what you want to explore or understand.
• Data Sources: Identify the sources of your qualitative data. Common sources include interviews , focus groups , surveys , field notes, or even existing documents and texts.
• Sampling: Decide on your sampling strategy. Will you use purposive sampling to select specific participants or content, or will you opt for more random sampling methods?
• Data Richness: Ensure your data is rich and comprehensive enough to answer your research questions. Collect enough data to reach data saturation, where new information or themes stop emerging.

2. Data Cleaning and Organization

Once you have your qualitative data in hand, the next step is data cleaning and organization. This process ensures that your data is in a usable format and is structured for efficient analysis.

• Transcription: If your data is in the form of interviews or recorded conversations, you may need to transcribe them. Accurate transcription is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the data.
• Data Format: Standardize the format of your data. This includes ensuring consistent date and time formats, naming conventions, and file organization.
• Data Validation: Check for data accuracy and consistency. Address any discrepancies or errors that may have arisen during data collection.
• Data Management: Organize your data systematically. Create a clear file structure, labeling, and version control to prevent data mix-ups or loss.

3. Choose the Right Software Tools

The choice of software tools for your thematic analysis can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your analysis process. Here's what you need to consider:

• Analysis Goals: Determine your specific analysis goals. Different software options may be better suited for certain types of projects or research questions.
• Ease of Use: Evaluate the user-friendliness of the software. Consider your team's familiarity with the tool and the learning curve involved.
• Collaboration Features: If you're working with a team, look for software that supports collaboration, allowing multiple researchers to work on the same project simultaneously.
• Data Import and Export: Ensure that the software can handle the data formats you are working with and provides robust import and export capabilities.
• Support and Training: Consider the availability of support resources, such as tutorials, user forums, and customer support, to assist you in case you encounter issues during analysis.

Some popular software options for thematic analysis include NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA, and Dedoose. Each has its own strengths and features, so it's essential to choose the one that best fits your project's needs.

By carefully preparing your data, cleaning and organizing it effectively, and selecting the right software tools, you'll set a solid foundation for a successful thematic analysis. These steps ensure that you have high-quality data that can be analyzed efficiently and accurately, leading to meaningful insights for your research.

How to Do Thematic Analysis?

Thematic analysis involves a systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns or themes within qualitative data. In this section, we'll explore each step in detail, guiding you through the process of conducting thematic analysis effectively.

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Data

The initial step in thematic analysis is to become intimately acquainted with your qualitative data. This process, known as familiarization with data, allows you to gain a deep understanding of the content and context.

• Multiple Readings: Begin by reading through your data numerous times. This repeated exposure helps you become familiar with the nuances and intricacies of the material.
• Note-Taking: Take notes as you read. Document your initial thoughts, observations, and any patterns or ideas that emerge during this phase.
• Maintain an Open Mind: Avoid preconceived notions or biases. Approach the data with an open mind to allow for unbiased exploration.
• Identify Interesting Features: Look for exciting features, such as recurrent phrases, significant events, or notable trends within the data.

Familiarization sets the stage for the subsequent steps, as it enables you to approach the data with a fresh perspective and a foundation of knowledge.

2. Generate Initial Codes

Once you're familiar with the data, the next step is generating initial codes. Codes are labels or tags assigned to specific portions of text that capture the essence of what's being expressed.

• Start Small: Begin by coding smaller sections of data, such as sentences or paragraphs. Focus on breaking down the data into manageable units.
• Use In-Vivo Codes: Whenever possible, use in-vivo codes, which are codes that use the participants' own words. This helps maintain the authenticity of the data.
• Stay Close to the Data: Keep your codes closely tied to the content of the data. Avoid overly abstract or generalized labels.
• Constant Comparison: Continuously compare new data segments with existing codes to ensure consistency and relevance.
• Document Your Codebook: Create a codebook or list that outlines the codes you've generated and their definitions. This document will serve as a reference throughout your analysis.

Generating initial codes is a fundamental step that involves systematically dissecting the data into meaningful elements, setting the stage for subsequent theme development.

3. Search for Themes

With a set of initial codes in hand, it's time to move on to searching for themes. Themes are overarching patterns or recurring ideas that emerge from the coded data.

• Pattern Recognition: Look for patterns in the codes. Identify codes that appear frequently or codes that seem conceptually related.
• Grouping Codes: Start grouping codes together based on their similarities or connections. This process forms the basis for theme development.
• Stay Open to New Themes: Be open to the possibility of new themes emerging as you continue your analysis. Themes may evolve or shift as you delve deeper into the data.
• Subthemes: Recognize that themes can have subthemes, providing a hierarchical structure to your analysis.

Searching for themes is a dynamic process that involves organizing and categorizing codes to uncover the underlying patterns and meanings within the data.

4. Review and Define Themes

Once you've identified potential themes, the next step is to review and define themes more rigorously. This phase ensures that your themes accurately represent the patterns in your data.

• Refinement: Refine and clarify your themes. Review them to ensure they align with the data and accurately capture the essence of the content.
• Definition: Provide clear definitions for each theme. What does each theme represent, and how does it relate to the data?
• Validation: Seek validation from colleagues or peers. Discuss your themes with others to ensure they are robust and well-defined.
• Naming Themes: Give each theme a concise and descriptive name that encapsulates its meaning.

Reviewing and defining themes is a crucial step in the thematic analysis process, as it ensures the accuracy and validity of your findings.

5. Write and Describe Themes

With well-defined themes in hand, it's time to write and describe themes in greater detail. This step involves fleshing out the themes with supporting evidence from your data.

• Quote Integration: Include quotes or excerpts from the data that exemplify each theme. These quotes serve as concrete examples of the theme in action.
• Narrative Development: Develop a narrative around each theme. Explain its significance and relevance within the context of your research.
• Contextual Understanding: Consider the broader context in which each theme exists. How do these themes contribute to the overall understanding of your research questions?
• Illustrative Examples: Provide multiple examples within each theme to demonstrate its consistency and depth.

Writing and describing themes is where the richness of your analysis comes to life, allowing readers to grasp the significance of the patterns you've uncovered.

6. Report Results

The final step in thematic analysis is reporting results. This involves presenting your findings in a clear and structured manner.

• Structure Your Report: Organize your report according to your research objectives, themes, and supporting evidence.
• Narrative Flow: Create a narrative flow that guides the reader through your analysis process, from data familiarization to theme development.
• Visual Aids: Consider using visual aids such as tables, charts, or graphs to enhance the presentation of your themes and findings.
• Discussion: Discuss the implications of your themes in the context of your research questions or objectives. What do these themes reveal, and how do they contribute to the broader understanding of your topic?
• Conclusion: Summarize your findings and their significance. Offer suggestions for future research or practical applications if applicable.

Reporting results effectively ensures that your thematic analysis is not only comprehensive but also accessible to your target audience, whether it's fellow researchers, stakeholders, or the broader community.

Thematic Analysis Approaches

Thematic analysis is a flexible method that can be approached in different ways based on your research goals and the nature of your data. In this section, we'll explore three primary approaches to thematic analysis: inductive thematic analysis, deductive thematic analysis , and reflexive thematic analysis. Each approach has its own unique characteristics and applications.

Inductive Thematic Analysis

Inductive thematic analysis is characterized by its bottom-up, data-driven approach. In this approach, you start without predefined themes or theories. Instead, you allow themes to emerge organically from your data.

• Data Familiarization: Begin by immersing yourself in the data, reading and re-reading it multiple times to develop a deep understanding.
• Open Coding: Start coding the data without any preconceived ideas. Codes emerge directly from the data, capturing concepts and patterns as they appear.
• Code Grouping: Group similar codes together, gradually forming initial themes. These themes are derived solely from the data and may evolve as you progress.
• Theme Definition: Define and refine the emerging themes. Ensure they accurately represent the patterns and concepts within your data.
• Review and Validation: Continuously review and validate the themes with colleagues or peer researchers. This iterative process enhances the trustworthiness of the analysis.

Example: Imagine conducting interviews with employees about their experiences in the workplace. Through inductive thematic analysis, you may find that themes like "Work-Life Balance Challenges" and "Employee Empowerment" emerge from the interviews, even though you had no preconceived notions about these topics.

Deductive Thematic Analysis

Deductive thematic analysis, in contrast, begins with predefined themes or theories based on existing research or theoretical frameworks. This approach is particularly useful when you want to test specific hypotheses or apply existing concepts to your data.

• Theory or Framework Selection: Start by selecting a theoretical framework or pre-existing themes that align with your research objectives.
• Data Collection: Gather data with these predefined themes or theories in mind. Your data collection process is guided by the established concepts.
• Initial Coding: Code your data according to the predefined themes. This involves assigning data segments to specific categories based on the chosen framework.
• Theme Refinement: Refine and adapt the predefined themes as you analyze the data. You may discover nuances or subthemes that were not initially accounted for.
• Validation: Seek validation from peers or experts to ensure the adapted themes accurately represent the data.

Example: Suppose you're studying customer feedback on a new product launch. You begin with predefined themes like "Product Usability" and " Customer Satisfaction " based on established criteria for evaluating products. As you analyze the data, you refine these themes and add subthemes like "User Interface Design" and "Product Performance."

Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Reflexive thematic analysis emphasizes the researcher's active role in shaping the analysis. It is often used in interpretive and intuitive research paradigms, acknowledging that the researcher's subjectivity plays a significant role in the analysis process.

• Engage Reflexively: Acknowledge your own perspectives, biases, and preconceptions. Be aware of how your background and experiences influence the analysis.
• Data Immersion: Immerse yourself in the data while considering your own positionality. How do your personal experiences and beliefs intersect with the data?
• Coding with Reflexivity: Code the data while reflecting on your own interpretive lens. How does your perspective shape the codes and themes you identify?
• Constant Reflexivity: Continuously engage in reflexivity throughout the analysis process. Be open to adjusting your interpretations based on ongoing self-awareness.
• Interpretation: Interpret the themes within the context of both the data and your reflexive insights. Recognize the co-construction of meaning between you as the researcher and the data.

Example: In a study on cultural perceptions of healthcare, you, as the researcher, openly acknowledge your cultural background and experiences. This reflexivity prompts you to recognize nuances in the data related to cultural sensitivities that might have been overlooked otherwise. Themes related to "Cultural Health Practices" and "Healthcare Access Barriers" are informed by both the data and your reflexive insights.

These three approaches to thematic analysis offer flexibility in how you approach your data. Your choice of approach should align with your research objectives, the nature of your data, and your epistemological stance as a researcher. Whether you start with a blank slate (inductive), apply existing theories (deductive), or embrace reflexivity, thematic analysis can be tailored to suit your research needs.

Data Analysis Techniques

Thematic analysis can be conducted using various data analysis techniques, each with its advantages and considerations. In this section, we'll delve into the three primary data analysis techniques for thematic analysis: manual coding, using qualitative data analysis software, and comparison with quantitative analysis.

Manual Coding

Manual coding involves the process of reviewing your qualitative data and assigning codes to segments of text that represent specific concepts or themes. While it may be more time-consuming than using software tools, manual coding offers a deep and intimate understanding of your data.

• Data Familiarization : Begin by thoroughly immersing yourself in the data. Read through it multiple times to gain a comprehensive understanding of the content.
• Code Generation : Start identifying meaningful segments in the data and assign relevant codes to them. Codes should capture the essence of what is being expressed.
• Codebook Development: Create a codebook that documents all the codes you've generated along with their definitions. This serves as a reference throughout the analysis.
• Code Sorting and Grouping: Organize and group codes into potential themes based on similarities or connections between codes.
• Theme Development : Review and refine the themes that emerge from the grouped codes. Ensure they accurately represent the patterns in your data.
• Validation : Seek validation from colleagues or peer researchers to enhance the trustworthiness of the analysis.

Manual coding allows for a meticulous examination of the data, ensuring a deep and nuanced understanding of the content. It's especially valuable when you have a smaller dataset or want to maintain a high level of researcher involvement in the analysis.

Using Qualitative Data Analysis Software

Qualitative data analysis software provides tools and features to streamline the coding and analysis process, making it more efficient and collaborative.

Some of the top tools used for thematic analysis include:

• Appinio : A real-time market research platform that excels in providing fast access to consumer insights. With a focus on user experience and the ability to define precise target groups, Appinio helps you make data-driven decisions seamlessly and quickly, making it an exciting and intuitive choice for thematic analysis.
• NVivo:  is a widely used software tool that offers a range of features for qualitative analysis, including coding, data visualization, and collaboration.
• ATLAS.ti: is known for its user-friendly interface and robust coding and analysis capabilities. It allows for the systematic organization of codes and themes.
• MAXQDA:  provides a comprehensive suite of tools for qualitative analysis, including advanced text coding, multimedia analysis, and robust reporting options.
• Dedoose: is a web-based application designed for qualitative and mixed-methods research. It offers real-time collaboration features and intuitive coding.

To get started with these tools, all you have to do is:

• Data Import: Import your qualitative data into the software. This can include text, audio, video, or other forms of qualitative data.
• Coding: Use the software's coding features to assign codes to segments of your data. You can create a coding structure, code hierarchy, and attach memos.
• Theme Development: Organize and analyze your codes to identify themes. Many software tools offer tools for visualizing themes and subthemes.
• Data Querying: Use the software to search for specific codes or themes within your data. This can help you identify patterns and relationships.
• Collaboration: If working with a team, collaborate in real-time within the software, making it easier to manage and validate codes and themes.

Using qualitative data analysis software can significantly speed up the coding and analysis process, especially with larger datasets. It also enhances the organization and management of your data, making it easier to revisit and revise your analysis.

Thematic Analysis vs Quantitative Analysis

Thematic analysis is a qualitative research method, but it can be valuable when used in conjunction with quantitative analysis. Here's how thematic analysis compares to quantitative analysis.

Thematic Analysis

• Qualitative method
• Focuses on exploring meanings, patterns, and themes in qualitative data.
• Involves coding, categorizing, and interpreting textual or visual data.
• Emphasizes rich, context-specific insights.
• Typically involves smaller sample sizes.
• Subjective and context-dependent.

Quantitative Analysis

• Quantitative method
• Focuses on numerical data, statistics, and generalizability.
• Involves structured surveys, experiments, or data collection instruments.
• Emphasizes statistical relationships and patterns.
• Typically involves larger sample sizes.
• Objective and aims for generalizability.

Thematic vs Quantitative Analysis Comparison

• Complementarity: Thematic analysis and quantitative analysis can complement each other. Qualitative analysis provides depth and context, while quantitative analysis offers breadth and statistical significance.
• Mixed-Methods Research: Researchers often employ mixed-methods research, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of a research question.
• Sequential or Concurrent: Researchers may choose to conduct thematic analysis before or after quantitative analysis, depending on the research design and objectives.

For example, in a healthcare study, qualitative thematic analysis may be used to understand patients' experiences and preferences (qualitative), while quantitative analysis can assess the effectiveness of a new treatment based on numerical outcomes (quantitative). These approaches together provide a holistic view of the research question.

How to Ensure Thematic Analysis Quality?

Ensuring the quality and rigor of your thematic analysis is essential to maintain the validity and trustworthiness of your findings. In this section, we'll explore three key aspects of quality assurance in thematic analysis: trustworthiness and credibility, inter-coder reliability , and addressing bias and reflexivity.

Trustworthiness and Credibility

Trustworthiness and credibility refer to the extent to which your thematic analysis can be considered reliable and valid. Establishing trustworthiness and credibility is crucial to ensure that your findings accurately represent the data and can withstand scrutiny.

To ensure trustworthiness and credibility:

• Member Checking: Seek feedback from participants to ensure that your analysis aligns with their perspectives and experiences.
• Peer Debriefing: Engage with colleagues or experts in the field to discuss your analysis process and findings. Their insights can help identify any potential biases or oversights.
• Audit Trail: Maintain a detailed record of your analysis process, including coding decisions, codebook development, and theme generation. This audit trail serves as a transparent documentation of your work.
• Triangulation: Use multiple sources of data or methods to validate your findings. Triangulation can involve comparing data from interviews, observations, and documents to identify converging themes.
• Peer Review: Submit your analysis and findings for peer review in academic or professional settings. Peer reviewers can provide valuable feedback and validation.
• Clear Reporting: Ensure that your research report or article clearly and transparently documents your analysis process, including the steps taken to establish trustworthiness.

By implementing these methods, you enhance the trustworthiness and credibility of your thematic analysis, increasing its validity and reliability.

Inter-Coder Reliability

Inter-coder reliability is the degree of agreement between different coders or researchers when coding the same data. It is a measure of consistency and ensures that your analysis is not overly influenced by individual subjectivity.

To establish inter-coder reliability:

• Coding Training: Train coders or researchers in the coding process, ensuring they understand the codebook and coding guidelines.
• Coding Samples: Have multiple coders independently code a sample of your data. This sample should represent the diversity of your dataset.
• Calculate Agreement: Calculate inter-coder agreement using a statistical measure such as Cohen's Kappa or percentage agreement. This measures the level of agreement between coders.
• Discuss Discrepancies: When discrepancies arise, convene coder meetings to discuss and resolve differences. This may involve refining code definitions or guidelines.
• Repeat Coding: After resolving discrepancies, have coders recode the data to assess improved inter-coder reliability.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Maintain constant communication and monitoring among coders to ensure consistency throughout the analysis process.

Establishing inter-coder reliability is crucial when working with a team of coders or researchers. It minimizes the risk of individual biases and subjectivity affecting the analysis.

Addressing Bias and Reflexivity

Bias and reflexivity acknowledgment and management are integral parts of maintaining the quality and rigor of thematic analysis.

Researchers bring their own perspectives, beliefs, and experiences to the analysis process, which can introduce bias into the interpretation of data. To address bias:

• Engage in reflexivity by regularly reflecting on your own positionality and potential biases.
• Maintain transparency by documenting your reflexive insights and how they may influence your analysis.
• Seek feedback from peers or colleagues to identify and mitigate bias in your analysis.

Reflexivity

Reflexivity involves recognizing and acknowledging the role of the researcher in shaping the analysis process and findings. Researchers should:

• Be aware of their assumptions and preconceptions and how these may impact their interpretation.
• Consider how their background, experiences, and cultural context influence their understanding of the data.
• Use reflexivity to enhance the depth and validity of their analysis by recognizing and addressing their subjectivity.

By addressing bias and embracing reflexivity, researchers can conduct a more transparent and rigorous thematic analysis, leading to more credible and valid findings.

Thematic Analysis Challenges

Thematic analysis, like any research method, comes with its own set of challenges. We'll explore three common challenges researchers may encounter during thematic analysis: data overload, maintaining consistency, and subjectivity and interpretation.

Data Overload

Data overload occurs when you have a large volume of qualitative data to analyze, making it challenging to manage and extract meaningful patterns. To address data overload:

• Chunking Data: Break the data into manageable chunks or segments for analysis. This helps prevent feeling overwhelmed.
• Prioritization: Focus on the most relevant or central data that directly relates to your research questions or objectives.
• Use of Software: Consider using qualitative data analysis software to assist with data organization and coding efficiency.

Maintaining Consistency

Maintaining consistency throughout the analysis process is crucial to ensure that codes and themes are applied consistently across the dataset. To maintain consistency:

• Develop a clear codebook with well-defined code definitions and examples.
• Regularly check in with coding team members to address any inconsistencies or questions.
• Use regular team meetings or discussions to clarify interpretations and ensure a shared understanding.

Subjectivity and Interpretation

Subjectivity and interpretation are inherent to thematic analysis, as researchers actively engage in interpreting data. To address subjectivity:

• Engage in reflexivity to acknowledge and manage your subjectivity and biases.
• Seek external validation or peer input to challenge or confirm your interpretations.
• Use transparency in reporting to clarify your interpretive stance and decision-making process.

By recognizing and addressing these common challenges, researchers can navigate the complexities of thematic analysis more effectively and produce robust, high-quality results.

Thematic Analysis Applications

Thematic analysis is a versatile qualitative research method widely applied in various fields and contexts. Its flexibility makes it suitable for exploring a wide range of research questions and topics.

Healthcare Research

Thematic analysis is frequently used in healthcare research to explore patients' experiences, healthcare provider perspectives, and healthcare policy analysis. Researchers in this field use thematic analysis to uncover themes related to patient satisfaction, healthcare disparities, the impact of treatments, and more. For example, a study might employ thematic analysis to understand the emotional challenges faced by cancer patients during their treatment journey, leading to the identification of themes like "Emotional Resilience" and "Support Systems."

Social Sciences

In the social sciences, thematic analysis helps researchers examine complex social phenomena and human behaviors. It is employed in studies related to sociology, psychology, anthropology, and education. Researchers use thematic analysis to explore themes in narratives, interviews, focus groups, and surveys. For instance, in educational research, thematic analysis can reveal themes in teacher-student interactions, leading to insights into classroom dynamics and pedagogical approaches.

Market Research

Thematic analysis is valuable in market research to extract insights from consumer feedback , product reviews, and focus group discussions. Researchers analyze themes in customer opinions to inform product development , marketing strategies, and customer experience improvements. For example, in analyzing online product reviews, thematic analysis can uncover themes like "Product Reliability" and "Customer Service Satisfaction," guiding companies in enhancing their offerings.

Psychology and Counseling

In psychology and counseling, thematic analysis is utilized to explore qualitative data from interviews, therapy sessions, or written narratives. It aids in understanding psychological processes, coping mechanisms, and therapeutic outcomes. Researchers might use thematic analysis to identify themes related to mental health stigma reduction or recovery narratives in individuals with mental health challenges.

Policy Analysis

Thematic analysis plays a critical role in policy analysis by extracting key themes from policy documents, legislative texts, or public opinion. Researchers can use thematic analysis to uncover themes related to policy effectiveness, public perception, and policy impact assessment. For instance, in analyzing environmental policies, themes like "Sustainability Goals" and "Community Engagement" may emerge, informing policymakers about areas of focus.

Examples of Thematic Analysis in Research

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of how thematic analysis is applied in research, let's explore several detailed examples across different fields and research contexts.

Example 1: Exploring Mental Health Stigma

Research Question: What are the key themes in narratives of individuals who have experienced mental health stigma?

Data: In-depth interviews with individuals who have faced mental health stigma.

Thematic Analysis Process:

• Data Familiarization: Researchers immerse themselves in interview transcripts, noting significant statements related to mental health stigma.
• Initial Coding: Initial codes are generated, including "Negative Stereotypes," "Experiences of Discrimination," and "Coping Strategies."
• Theme Development: Codes are grouped into broader themes, leading to the emergence of themes like "Internalization of Stigma" and "Empowerment through Advocacy."
• Refinement and Definition: Each theme is refined and defined with illustrative quotes to capture the nuances of participants' experiences.
• Interpretation: Researchers interpret the findings, highlighting the impact of stigma on mental health and the importance of support systems.

This thematic analysis sheds light on the multifaceted nature of mental health stigma and offers insights into the coping mechanisms individuals employ to navigate these challenges.

Example 2: Evaluating Customer Feedback for a Tech Product

Research Question: What themes emerge from an analysis of customer feedback for a new smartphone model?

Data: Analysis of online customer reviews and feedback for a recently launched smartphone.

• Data Collection: Collect customer reviews and comments from online platforms, aggregating a substantial dataset.
• Data Cleaning: Remove duplicates and irrelevant data to streamline the analysis process.
• Coding: Codes are generated for common sentiments and topics found in the reviews, such as "Camera Quality," "Battery Life," and "User-Friendly Interface."
• Theme Development: Codes are organized into overarching themes, revealing key themes like "Performance and Speed," "Durability Concerns," and "User Experience."
• Visualization: Visual aids such as word clouds and frequency distributions are used to present the prevalence of themes in customer feedback.
• Implications: The analysis highlights areas for product improvement and informs marketing strategies based on customer perceptions.

This thematic analysis of customer feedback provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the smartphone model, guiding product development and marketing efforts.

Example 3: Analyzing Qualitative Data in Educational Research

Research Question: What themes emerge from open-ended survey responses regarding the challenges of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Data Organization: Survey responses are organized for systematic analysis.
• Initial Coding: Codes are generated for recurring issues, such as "Technology Challenges," "Lack of Social Interaction," and "Time Management."
• Theme Development: Codes are grouped into overarching themes, resulting in themes like "Digital Divide" and "Adaptive Teaching Strategies."
• Subtheme Identification: Subthemes may emerge within larger themes, providing a more detailed understanding of specific issues.
• Contextual Analysis: The analysis considers the broader context of the pandemic's impact on education, including policy implications and pedagogical adaptations.

This thematic analysis of survey responses offers insights into the unique challenges faced by students and educators during the pandemic, informing educational policies and strategies.

These examples showcase the adaptability and effectiveness of thematic analysis in uncovering meaningful patterns and themes across diverse research contexts. Whether exploring personal experiences, customer feedback, or educational challenges, thematic analysis serves as a versatile qualitative research method that provides valuable insights and informs decision-making.

Conclusion for Thematic Analysis

Thematic analysis is a versatile and powerful method that helps researchers uncover patterns and themes within qualitative data. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can embark on your journey of discovery and gain deeper insights into the world of qualitative research.

Remember, whether you're studying people's experiences, analyzing customer feedback, or exploring social phenomena, thematic analysis offers a structured approach to make sense of complex data. It's a valuable tool for researchers across diverse fields, providing a clear path to understanding, interpretation, and meaningful insights. So, as you venture into the realm of thematic analysis, embrace the richness of your data and let it tell its story. Your research journey has just begun, and the possibilities are boundless.

How to Conduct Thematic Analysis in Minutes?

In the world of thematic analysis, Appinio shines as a real-time market research platform, revolutionizing the way you gain consumer insights. Say goodbye to long, tedious research processes and embrace the exciting and intuitive world of real-time data-driven decisions.

Here's why Appinio is your go-to partner for thematic analysis:

• Lightning-Fast Insights: From formulating questions to obtaining actionable insights, Appinio delivers results in minutes. When you need answers pronto, we've got you covered.
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• Global Reach, Local Precision: With access to over 90 countries and the ability to define your target group from 1200+ characteristics, Appinio ensures that your thematic analysis is not only insightful but also globally relevant.

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How to do a thematic analysis

What is a thematic analysis?

When is thematic analysis used, braun and clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis, the six steps of thematic analysis, 1. familiarizing, 2. generating initial codes, 3. generating themes, 4. reviewing themes, 5. defining and naming themes, 6. creating the report, the advantages and disadvantages of thematic analysis, disadvantages, frequently asked questions about thematic analysis, related articles.

Thematic analysis is a broad term that describes an approach to analyzing qualitative data . This approach can encompass diverse methods and is usually applied to a collection of texts, such as survey responses and transcriptions of interviews or focus group discussions. Learn more about different research methods.

A researcher performing a thematic analysis will study a set of data to pinpoint repeating patterns, or themes, in the topics and ideas that are expressed in the texts.

In analyzing qualitative data, thematic analysis focuses on concepts, opinions, and experiences, as opposed to pure statistics. This requires an approach to data that is complex and exploratory and can be anchored by different philosophical and conceptual foundations.

A six-step system was developed to help establish clarity and rigor around this process, and it is this system that is most commonly used when conducting a thematic analysis. The six steps are:

• Familiarization
• Generating codes
• Generating themes
• Reviewing themes
• Defining and naming themes
• Creating the report

It is important to note that even though the six steps are listed in sequence, thematic analysis is not necessarily a linear process that advances forward in a one-way, predictable fashion from step one through step six. Rather, it involves a more fluid shifting back and forth between the phases, adjusting to accommodate new insights when they arise.

And arriving at insight is a key goal of this approach. A good thematic analysis doesn’t just seek to present or summarize data. It interprets and makes a statement about it; it extracts meaning from the data.

Since thematic analysis is used to study qualitative data, it works best in cases where you’re looking to gather information about people’s views, values, opinions, experiences, and knowledge.

Some examples of research questions that thematic analysis can be used to answer are:

• What are senior citizens’ experiences of long-term care homes?
• How do women view social media sites as a tool for professional networking?
• How do non-religious people perceive the role of the church in a society?
• What are financial analysts’ ideas and opinions about cryptocurrency?

To begin answering these questions, you would need to gather data from participants who can provide relevant responses. Once you have the data, you would then analyze and interpret it.

Because you’re dealing with personal views and opinions, there is a lot of room for flexibility in terms of how you interpret the data. In this way, thematic analysis is systematic but not purely scientific.

A landmark 2006 paper by Victoria Braun and Victoria Clarke (“ Using thematic analysis in psychology ”) established parameters around thematic analysis—what it is and how to go about it in a systematic way—which had until then been widely used but poorly defined.

Since then, their work has been updated, with the name being revised, notably, to “reflexive thematic analysis.”

One common misconception that Braun and Clarke have taken pains to clarify about their work is that they do not believe that themes “emerge” from the data. To think otherwise is problematic since this suggests that meaning is somehow inherent to the data and that a researcher is merely an objective medium who identifies that meaning.

Conversely, Braun and Clarke view analysis as an interactive process in which the researcher is an active participant in constructing meaning, rather than simply identifying it.

The six stages they presented in their paper are still the benchmark for conducting a thematic analysis. They are presented below.

This step is where you take a broad, high-level view of your data, looking at it as a whole and taking note of your first impressions.

This typically involves reading through written survey responses and other texts, transcribing audio, and recording any patterns that you notice. It’s important to read through and revisit the data in its entirety several times during this stage so that you develop a thorough grasp of all your data.

After familiarizing yourself with your data, the next step is coding notable features of the data in a methodical way. This often means highlighting portions of the text and applying labels, aka codes, to them that describe the nature of their content.

In our example scenario, we’re researching the experiences of women over the age of 50 on professional networking social media sites. Interviews were conducted to gather data, with the following excerpt from one interview.

In the example interview snippet, portions have been highlighted and coded. The codes describe the idea or perception described in the text.

It pays to be exhaustive and thorough at this stage. Good practice involves scrutinizing the data several times, since new information and insight may become apparent upon further review that didn’t jump out at first glance. Multiple rounds of analysis also allow for the generation of more new codes.

Once the text is thoroughly reviewed, it’s time to collate the data into groups according to their code.

Now that we’ve created our codes, we can examine them, identify patterns within them, and begin generating themes.

Keep in mind that themes are more encompassing than codes. In general, you’ll be bundling multiple codes into a single theme.

To draw on the example we used above about women and networking through social media, codes could be combined into themes in the following way:

You’ll also be curating your codes and may elect to discard some on the basis that they are too broad or not directly relevant. You may also choose to redefine some of your codes as themes and integrate other codes into them. It all depends on the purpose and goal of your research.

This is the stage where we check that the themes we’ve generated accurately and relevantly represent the data they are based on. Once again, it’s beneficial to take a thorough, back-and-forth approach that includes review, assessment, comparison, and inquiry. The following questions can support the review:

• Has anything been overlooked?
• Are the themes definitively supported by the data?
• Is there any room for improvement?

With your final list of themes in hand, the next step is to name and define them.

In defining them, we want to nail down the meaning of each theme and, importantly, how it allows us to make sense of the data.

Once you have your themes defined, you’ll need to apply a concise and straightforward name to each one.

In our example, our “perceived lack of skills” may be adjusted to reflect that the texts expressed uncertainty about skills rather than the definitive absence of them. In this case, a more apt name for the theme might be “questions about competence.”

To finish the process, we put our findings down in writing. As with all scholarly writing, a thematic analysis should open with an introduction section that explains the research question and approach.

This is followed by a statement about the methodology that includes how data was collected and how the thematic analysis was performed.

Each theme is addressed in detail in the results section, with attention paid to the frequency and presence of the themes in the data, as well as what they mean, and with examples from the data included as supporting evidence.

The conclusion section describes how the analysis answers the research question and summarizes the key points.

In our example, the conclusion may assert that it is common for women over the age of 50 to have negative experiences on professional networking sites, and that these are often tied to interactions with other users and a sense that using these sites requires specialized skills.

Thematic analysis is useful for analyzing large data sets, and it allows a lot of flexibility in terms of designing theoretical and research frameworks. Moreover, it supports the generation and interpretation of themes that are backed by data.

There are times when thematic analysis is not the best approach to take because it can be highly subjective, and, in seeking to identify broad patterns, it can overlook nuance in the data.

What’s more, researchers must be judicious about reflecting on how their own position and perspective bears on their interpretations of the data and if they are imposing meaning that is not there or failing to pick up on meaning that is.

Thematic analysis offers a flexible and recursive way to approach qualitative data that has the potential to yield valuable insights about people’s opinions, views, and lived experience. It must be applied, however, in a conscientious fashion so as not to allow subjectivity to taint or obscure the results.

The purpose of thematic analysis is to find repeating patterns, or themes, in qualitative data. Thematic analysis can encompass diverse methods and is usually applied to a collection of texts, such as survey responses and transcriptions of interviews or focus group discussions. In analyzing qualitative data, thematic analysis focuses on concepts, opinions, and experiences, as opposed to pure statistics.

A big advantage of thematic analysis is that it allows a lot of flexibility in terms of designing theoretical and research frameworks. It also supports the generation and interpretation of themes that are backed by data.

A disadvantage of thematic analysis is that it can be highly subjective and can overlook nuance in the data. Also, researchers must be aware of how their own position and perspective influences their interpretations of the data and if they are imposing meaning that is not there or failing to pick up on meaning that is.

How many themes make sense in your thematic analysis of course depends on your topic and the material you are working with. In general, it makes sense to have no more than 6-10 broader themes, instead of having many really detailed ones. You can then identify further nuances and differences under each theme when you are diving deeper into the topic.

Since thematic analysis is used to study qualitative data, it works best in cases where you’re looking to gather information about people’s views, values, opinions, experiences, and knowledge. Therefore, it makes sense to use thematic analysis for interviews.

After familiarizing yourself with your data, the first step of a thematic analysis is coding notable features of the data in a methodical way. This often means highlighting portions of the text and applying labels, aka codes, to them that describe the nature of their content.

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Chapter 22: Thematic Analysis

Darshini Ayton

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:

• Describe the different approaches to thematic analysis.
• Understand how to conduct the three types of thematic analysis.
• Identify the strengths and limitations of each type of thematic analysis.

What is thematic analysis?

Thematic analysis is a common method used in the analysis of qualitative data to identify, analyse and interpret meaning through a systematic process of generating codes (see Chapter 20) that leads to the development of themes. 1 Thematic analysis requires the active engagement of the researcher with the data, in a process of sorting, categorising and interpretation. 1 Thematic analysis is exploratory analysis whereby codes are not predetermined and are data-derived, usually from primary sources of data (e,g, interviews and focus groups). This is in contrast to themes generated through directed or summative content analysis, which is considered confirmatory hypothesis-driven analysis, with predetermined codes typically generated from a hypothesis (see Chapter 21). 2 There are many forms of thematic analysis. Hence, it is important to treat thematic analysis as one of many methods of analysis, and to justify the approach on the basis of the research question and pragmatic considerations such as resources, time and audience. The three main forms of thematic analysis used in health and social care research, discussed in this chapter, are:

Applied thematic analysis

• Framework analysis
• Reflexive thematic analysis.

This involves multiple, inductive analytic techniques designed to identify and examine themes from textual data in a way that is transparent and credible, drawing from a broad range of theoretical and methodological perspectives. It focuses on presenting the stories of participants as accurately and comprehensively as possible. Applied thematic analysis mixes a bit of everything: grounded theory, positivism, interpretivism and phenomenology. 2

Applied thematic analysis borrows what we feel are the more useful techniques from each theoretical and methodological camp and adapts them to an applied research context. 2(p16)

Applied thematic analysis involves five elements:

• Text s egmentation  involves identifying a meaningful segment of text and the boundaries of the segment. Text segmentation is a useful process as a transcript from a 30-minute interview can be many pages long. Hence, segmenting the text provides a manageable section of the data for interrogation of meaning. For example, text segmentation may be a participant’s response to an interview question, a keyword or concept in context, or a complete discourse between participants. The segment of text is more than a short phrase and can be both small and large sections of text. Text segments can also overlap, and a smaller segment may be embedded within a larger segment. 3
• Creation of the codebook is a critical element of applied thematic analysis. The codebook is created when the segments of text are systematically coded into categories, types and relationships, and the codes are defined by the observed meaning in the text. The codes and their definitions are descriptive in the beginning, and then evolve into explanatory codes as the researcher examines the commonalities, differences and relationships between the codes. The codebook is an iterative document that the researcher builds and refines as they become more immersed and familiar with the data. 3 Table 22.1 outlines the key components of a codebook. 3

Table 22.1. Codebook components and an example

• Structural coding can be useful if a structured interview guide or focus group guide has been used by the researcher and the researcher stays close to the wording of the question and its prompts. The structured question is the structural code in the codebook, and the text segment should include the participant’s response and any dialogue following the question. Of course, this form of coding can be used even if the researcher does not follow a structured guide, which is often the reality of qualitative data collection. The relevant text segments are coded for the specific structure, as appropriate. 3
• Content coding is informed by the research question(s) and the questions informing the analysis. The segmented text is grouped in different ways to explore relationships, hierarchies, descriptions and explanations of events, similarities, differences and consequences. The content of the text segment should be read and re-read to identify patterns and meaning, with the generated codes added to the codebook.
• Themes vary in scope, yet at the core they are phrases or statements that explain the meaning of the text. Researchers need to be aware that themes are considered a higher conceptual level than codes, and therefore should not be comprised of single words or labels. Typically, multiple codes will lead to a theme. Revisiting the research and analysis questions will assist the researcher to identify themes. Through the coding process, the researcher actively searches the data for themes. Examples of how themes may be identified include the repetition of concepts within and across transcripts, the use of metaphors and analogies, key phrases and common phrases used in an unfamiliar way. 3

Framework a nalysis

This method originated in the 1980s in social policy research. Framework analysis is suited to research seeking to answer specific questions about a problem or issue, within a limited time frame and with homogenous data (in topics, concepts and participants); multiple researchers are usually involved in the coding process. 4-6 The process of framework analysis is methodical and suits large data sets, hence is attractive to quantitative researchers and health services researchers. Framework analysis is useful for multidisciplinary teams in which not all members are familiar with qualitative analysis. Framework analysis does not seek to generate theory and is not aligned with any particular epistemological, philosophical or theoretical approach. 5 The output of framework analysis is a matrix with rows (cases), columns (codes) and cells of summarised data that enables researchers to analyse the data case by case and code by code. The case is usually an individual interview, or it can be a defined group or organisation. 5

The process for conducting framework analysis is as follows 5 :

1. Transcription – usually verbatim transcription of the interview.

2. Familiarisation with the interview – reading the transcript and listening to the audio recording (particularly if the researcher doing the analysis did not conduct the interview) can assist in the interpretation of the data. Notes on analytical observations, thoughts and impressions are made in the margins of the transcript during this stage.

3. Coding – completed in a line-by-line method by at least two researchers from different disciplines (or with a patient or public involvement representative), where possible. Coding can be both deductive – (using a theory or specific topics relevant to the project – or inductive, whereby open coding is applied to elements such as behaviours, incidents, values, attitudes, beliefs, emotions and participant reactions. All data is coded.

4. Developing a working analytical framework – codes are collated and organised into categories, to create a structure for summarising or reducing the data.

5. Applying the analytical framework – indexing the remaining transcripts by using the categories and codes of the analytical framework.

6. Charting data into the framework matrix – summarising the data by category and from each transcript into the framework matrix, which is a spreadsheet with numbered cells in which summarised data are entered by codes (columns) and cases (rows). Charting needs to balance the reduction of data to a manageable few lines and retention of the meaning and ‘feel’ of the participant. References to illustrative quotes should be included.

7. Interpreting the data – using the framework matrix and notes taken throughout the analysis process to interpret meaning, in collaboration with team members, including lay and clinical members.

Reflexive thematic analysis

This is the thematic analysis approach developed by Braun and Clarke in 2006 and explained in the highly cited article ‘ Using thematic analysis in psychology ’ . 7 Reflexive thematic analysis recognises the subjectiveness of the analysis process, and that codes and themes are actively generated by the researcher. Hence, themes and codes are influenced by the researcher’s values, skills and experiences. 8 Reflexive thematic analysis ‘exists at the intersection of the researcher, the dataset and the various contexts of interpretation’. 9(line 5-6) In this method, the coding process is less structured and more organic than in applied thematic analysis. Braun and Clarke have been critical of the use of the term ‘emerging themes’, which many researchers use to indicate that the theme was data-driven, as opposed to a deductive approach:

This language suggests that meaning is self evident and somehow ‘within’ the data waiting to be revealed, and that the researcher is a neutral conduit for the revelation of said meaning. In contrast, we conceptualise analysis as a situated and interactive process, reflecting both the data, the positionality of the researcher, and the context of the research itself… it is disingenuous to evoke a process whereby themes simply emerge, instead of being active co-productions on the part of the researcher, the data/participants and context. 10 (p15)

Since 2006, Braun and Clarke have published extensively on reflexive thematic analysis, including a methodological paper comparing reflexive thematic analysis with other approaches to qualitative analysis, 8 and have provided resources on their website to support researchers and students. 9 There are many ways to conduct reflexive thematic analysis, but the six main steps in the method are outlined following. 9 Note that this is not a linear, prescriptive or rule-based process, but rather an approach to guide researchers in systematically and robustly exploring their data.

1.  Familiarisation with data – involves reading and re-reading transcripts so that the researcher is immersed in the data. The researcher makes notes on their initial observations, interpretations and insights for both the individual transcripts and across all the transcripts or data sources.

2.  Coding – the process of applying succinct labels (codes) to the data in a way that captures the meaning and characteristics of the data relevant to the research question. The entire data set is coded in numerous rounds; however, unlike line-by-line coding in grounded theory (Chapter 27), or data segmentation in applied thematic analysis, not all sections of data need to be coded. 8 After a few rounds of coding, the codes are collated and relevant data is extracted.

3.  Generating initial themes – using the collated codes and extracted data, the researcher identifies patterns of meaning (initial or potential themes). The researcher then revisits codes and the data to extract relevant data for the initial themes, to examine the viability of the theme.

4 .  Developing and reviewing themes – checking the initial themes against codes and the entire data set to assess whether it captures the ‘story’ of the data and addresses the research question. During this step, the themes are often reworked by combining, splitting or discarding. For reflexive thematic analysis, a theme is defined as a ‘pattern of shared meaning underpinned by a central concept or idea’. 8 (p 39 )

5.  Refining, defining and naming themes – developing the scope and boundaries of the theme, creating the story of the theme and applying an informative name for the theme.

6.  Writing up – is a key part of the analysis and involves writing the narrative of the themes, embedding the data and providing the contextual basis for the themes in the literature.

Themes versus c odes

As described above, themes are informed by codes, and themes are defined at a conceptually higher level than codes. Themes are broader categorisations that tend to describe or explain the topic or concept. Themes need to extend beyond the code and are typically statements that can stand alone to describe and/or explain the data. Fereday and Muir-Cochrane explain this development from code to theme in Table 22.2. 11

Table 22.2. Corroborating and legitimating coded themes to identify second-order themes

*Note: This table is from an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

When I [the author] first started publishing qualitative research, many of my themes were at the code level. I then got advice that when the themes are the subheadings of the results section of my paper, they should tell the story of the research. The difference in my theme naming can be seen when comparing a paper from my PhD thesis, 12 which explores the challenges of church-based health promotion, with a more recent paper that I published on antimicrobial stewardship 13 (refer to the theme tables in the publications).

Table 22.3. Examples of thematic analysis

Advantages and challenges of thematic analysis.

Thematic analysis is flexible and can be used to analyse small and large data sets with homogenous and heterogenous samples. Thematic analysis can be applied to any type of data source, from interviews and focus groups to diary entries and online discussion forums. 1 Applied thematic analysis and framework analysis are accessible approaches for non-qualitative researchers or beginner researchers. However, the flexibility and accessibility of thematic analysis can lead to limitations and challenges when thematic analysis is misapplied or done poorly. Thematic analysis can be more descriptive than interpretive if not properly anchored in a theoretical framework. 1 For framework analysis, the spreadsheet matrix output can lead to quantitative researchers inappropriately quantifying the qualitative data. Therefore, training and support from a qualitative researcher with the appropriate expertise can help to ensure that the interpretation of the data is meaningful. 5

Thematic analysis is a family of analysis techniques that are flexible and inductive and involve the generation of codes and themes. There are three main types of thematic analysis: applied thematic analysis, framework analysis and reflexive thematic analysis. These approaches span from structured coding to organic and unstructured coding for theme development. The choice of approach should be guided by the research question, the research design and the available resources and skills of the researcher and team.

• Clarke V, Braun V. Thematic analysis. J Posit Psychol . 2017;12(3):297-298. doi:10.1080/17439760.2016.1262613
• Guest G, MacQueen KM, Namey EE. Introduction to applied thematic analysis. In: Guest G, MacQueen, K.M., Namey, E.E., ed. Applied thematic analysis . SAGE Publications, Inc.; 2014. Accessed September 18, 2023. https://methods.sagepub.com/book/applied-thematic-analysis
• Guest G, MacQueen, K.M., Namey, E.E.,. Themes and Codes. In: Guest G, MacQueen, K.M., Namey, E.E., ed. Applied thematic analysis . SAGE Publications, Inc.; 2014. Accessed September 18, 2023. https://methods.sagepub.com/book/applied-thematic-analysis
• Srivastava A, Thomson SB. Framework analysis: A qualitative methodology for applied policy research. Journal of Administration and Governance . 2009;72(3). Accessed September 14, 2023. https://ssrn.com/abstract=2760705
• Gale NK, Heath G, Cameron E, Rashid S, Redwood S. Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health research. BMC Med Res Methodol . 2013;13:117. doi:10.1186/1471-2288-13-117
• Smith J, Firth J. Qualitative data analysis: the framework approach. Nurse Res . 2011;18(2):52-62. doi:10.7748/nr2011.01.18.2.52.c8284
• Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual Res Psychol . 2006;3(2):77-101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
• Braun V, Clarke V. Can I use TA? Should I use TA? Should I not use TA? Comparing reflexive thematic analysis and other pattern-based qualitative analytic approaches. Couns Psychother Res . 2021;21(1):37-47. doi:10.1002/capr.12360
• Braun V, Clarke V. Thematic analysis. University of Auckland. Accessed September 18, 2023. https://www.thematicanalysis.net/
• Braun V, Clarke V. Answers to frequently asked questions about thematic analysis. University of Auckland. Accessed September 18, 2023. https://www.thematicanalysis.net/faqs/
• Fereday J, Muir-Cochrane E. Demonstrating Rigour Using Thematic Analysis: A Hybrid Approach of Inductive and Deductive Coding and Theme Development. International Journal of Qualitative Methods . 2006;5(1):80-92. doi: 10.1177/160940690600500107
• Ayton D, Manderson L, Smith BJ. Barriers and challenges affecting the contemporary church’s engagement in health promotion. Health Promot J Austr . 2017;28(1):52-58. doi:10.1071/HE15037
• Ayton D, Watson E, Betts JM, et al. Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program in the Australian private hospital system: qualitative study of attitudes to antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship. BMC Health Serv Res . 2022;22(1):1554. doi:10.1186/s12913-022-08938-8
• McKenna-Plumley PE, Graham-Wisener L, Berry E, Groarke JM. Connection, constraint, and coping: A qualitative study of experiences of loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. PLoS One . 2021;16(10):e0258344. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0258344
• Dickinson BL, Gibson K, VanDerKolk K, et al. “It is this very knowledge that makes us doctors”: an applied thematic analysis of how medical students perceive the relevance of biomedical science knowledge to clinical medicine. BMC Med Educ . 2020;20(1):356. doi:10.1186/s12909-020-02251-w
• Bunzli S, O’Brien P, Ayton D, et al. Misconceptions and the acceptance of evidence-based nonsurgical interventions for knee osteoarthritis. A Qualitative Study. Clin Orthop Relat Res . 2019;477(9):1975-1983. doi:10.1097/CORR.0000000000000784

Qualitative Research – a practical guide for health and social care researchers and practitioners Copyright © 2023 by Darshini Ayton is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Thematic Analysis – A 6-Step Guide for Academic Writing

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Thematic analysis is a methodolgy that helps scientific researchers understand unquantifiable, complex data with open-ended questions and transcripts. Applied analysis carefully examines qualitative prose statements (i.e. subject interviews, transcripts, documents) via a detailed, systematic 6-step schema. Recurring patterns are then identified, grouped, and picked apart for deeper insights.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Thematic Analysis – In a Nutshell
• 2 Definition: Thematic Analysis
• 3 When is it relevant to use thematic analysis?
• 4 What questions can thematic analysis use?
• 5 Approaches to thematic analysis
• 6 Step 1 of thematic analysis: Familiarization
• 7 Step 2 of thematic analysis: Coding
• 8 Step 3 of thematic analysis: Constructing themes
• 9 Step 4 of thematic analysis: Reviewing themes
• 10 Step 5 of thematic analysis: Defining themes
• 11 Step 6 of thematic analysis: Writing a thematic analysis

Thematic Analysis – In a Nutshell

• Thematic analysis allows researchers to categorize subjective prose responses to open-ended questions from subjects in an understandable, usable way.
• It highlights recurring themes and thoughts on a topic.
• It’s often deployed wherever using statistical and numerical analysis wouldn’t give a clear picture or explanation of a topic.
• By following a fixed 6-step schema , thematic analysis is kept uniform, repeatable, and ordered.
• Highlighted categories and themes help researchers to identify complex factors and threads within a topic.

Definition: Thematic Analysis

Thematic analysis is fantastic for empirical humanitarian and scientific experimenters who want to explore highly subjective topics of interest. You might use thematic analysis to study ‘intangibles’ such as people’s experiences, perceptions, and nuanced opinions.

How does it work? By asking respondent(s) the same open-ended questions, common and unique themes reveal themselves. Qualitative conclusions can be formed without statistical tests for correlation and causation.

The analytical schema was first published as a 2006 paper by psychologists Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke. They developed a straightforward, 6-step experimental method to simplify qualitative data analysis and add repeatability to test cycles.

When is it relevant to use thematic analysis?

Thematic analysis is ideal when your experimental research needs deeper insight into what a sampled group of people think. It’s a versatile, adaptable methodology that often opens up new areas of exploration.

Why? While it’s possible to poll public opinion quantitatively with formulaic questions (e.g. Do you approve/disapprove?), this may risk narrowing responses and leading participants. Cold statistics might also miss the depth behind controversial and subjective topics such as politics and religion.

Thematic analysis keeps more of an open mind as to what may get back from testing. By adopting a focus group , interview-led approach, observers can build clear, explanatory narratives from multiple samples.

What questions can thematic analysis use?

Thematic researchers typically ask a string of open, topical, yet focused questions that invite elaboration from the respondent. They may often start with phrases such as:

• What do you think…?
• What is your opinion…?
• What are your ideas…?
• What do you remember…?
• Why do you believe…?
• What should we do about…?

Questionable themes that fit systematic thematic analysis may be vast and diverse (e.g. cosmology) or ‘small’ and unique (e.g. specific event memories). Questions can be segued into additional, clarifying questions (if relevant).

Approaches to thematic analysis

Like most methodologies, the 6-step analysis contains polarized sub-approaches. These determine how the questioning proceeds and how the gathered qualitative data is processed. A single thematic study may also use a ‘hybrid’ approach.

Inductive vs. deductive thematic analysis

Semantic vs. latent thematic analysis, step 1 of thematic analysis: familiarization.

After the interview phase, our researchers will collate and quickly review their initial findings. The prose within written transcripts is checked back for familiarity and errors. Researchers also transcribe any audio recordings into analyzable text.

Step 2 of thematic analysis: Coding

The coding phase sets out the common themes within the study and labels them via highlighted color coding.

Labeling common, linked statements codifies the subjects in play by dividing them into recurring themes. Any anomalies (i.e. unusual reactions) can also be flagged up for study.

Step 3 of thematic analysis: Constructing themes

Labeled codes are combined into broader, ‘umbrella’ themes that cover a wide range of recurring statements and opinions.

These themes generally identify recurring threads of thought that run through responses to the same question. As the study develops onward, several areas might be merged into a meta-category that better identifies and explains what’s happening.

• Climate Change Concern
• Positivity About the Future
• Knowing About Green News
• Environmentalist Thought
• Anti-NIMBY Attitudes
• Renewable Energy: Positivity

Step 4 of thematic analysis: Reviewing themes

As the study finalizes, researchers take a short introspective look at exactly how they’re categorizing what they have found.

On reflection, some labels might fit into different themes better than their first assigned category. Others might reflect a strand of thought that initially seemed relevant but lacked significant presence elsewhere. Smaller themes might require careful reflection on whether they justify an entire category.

The researchers also watch carefully for observer bias.

Researchers reviewing conclude that the label Anti-NIMBY Attitudes needs to be in another column.

While it’s still relevant to attitudes concerning Renewable Energy, further analysis of the labels Fossil Fuels and Local Spaces shows that it’s part of a more complex chain of thought on landscapes.

Anti-NIMBY is moved into Local Spaces as a solution.

Step 5 of thematic analysis: Defining themes

The penultimate step is reviewing category and theme names for clarity and accuracy.

Consistency, relevancy, and explanatory power are all given a second glance, as is each label’s succinctness. Titles are then changed, clarified, deleted, and merged as appropriate.

Step 6 of thematic analysis: Writing a thematic analysis

Once all the data’s been processed, categorized, and analyzed, it’s time to create the study’s final paper.

The written summary serves as an explanation of how the data was collected, the methodology used to divide it, and outlines what conclusions and arguments (if any) can be drawn from what was found. It may also detail theories and potential topics for future study.

Every final thematic analysis should always contain:

• An introduction, stating aims and prior knowledge
• A methodology outline, stating how and where data was gathered
• A results section, outlining findings, labels, and categories identified
• A conclusion, detailing what can be drawn from the above

What are the 6 key steps of Braun and Clarkes' schema?

Familiarization, coding, generating themes, Reviewing themes, defining themes, summarization (writing up).

How are themes divided for analysis?

Transcribed text from samples is browsed line-by-line for recurring patterns of thought, exposition, and opinion and marked.

Researchers often use colored boxes or highlighter pens to divide scripts.

Is there any data that's unsuitable for thematic analysis?

Yes. If your study exclusively gathers lots of repetitive, quantitative, numerical data, you might be better off using statistical analysis.

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Varieties of Qualitative Research Methods pp 463–468 Cite as

Thematic Analysis

• Vicki Squires 4  
• First Online: 02 January 2023

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Part of the book series: Springer Texts in Education ((SPTE))

Thematic analysis is a method of qualitative data analysis that was first described in the 1970s (Joffe, Harper and Thompson (eds), Qualitative Research Methods in Mental Health and Psychotherapy: A Guide for Students and Practitioners, Wiley-Blackwell, 2012) but became more prominent at the end of the 1990s with researchers such as Boyatzis ( 1998 ) and Hayes ( 1997 ) (as cited in Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2012). Thematic analysis. In H. Cooper (Ed.), APA Handbook of Research Methods in Psychology (vol.2) (pp. 57–71). American Psychological Association.). As qualitfvecome more accepted across social science disciplines and now across health professions education, the need for systematic methods to analyze qualitative sets is more accentuated (Castleberry and Nolen, Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning 10:807–815, 2018). ( Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2012). Thematic analysis. In H. Cooper (Ed.), APA Handbook of Research Methods in Psychology (vol.2) (pp. 57–71). American Psychological Association.) highlighted that thematic analysis is “an accessible, flexible, and increasingly popular method of qualitative data analysis” (p. 57). Although thematic analysis shares similarities with other methodologies that have systematic processes for analyzing data such as Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis or grounded theory, it does not “require the detailed theoretical and technological knowledge” of these approaches (Braun and Clarke, Qualitative Research in Psychology 3:77–101, 2006). However, (Braun and Clarke, Qualitative Research in Psychology 3:77–101, 2006) emphasized that the theoretical position of the study needs to be made explicit, as there are inherent assumptions regarding the nature of the data that has been analyzed.

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Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2012). Thematic analysis. In H. Cooper (Ed.), APA handbook of research methods in psychology (vol.2) (pp. 57–71). American Psychological Association.

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Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3 , 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

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Boyatzis, R. E. (1998). Transforming qualitative information: Thematic analysis and code development . Sage.

Castleberry, A., & Nolen, A. (2018). Thematic analysis of qualitative research data: Is it as easy as it sounds? Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 10 , 807–815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2018.03.019

Fereday, J., & Muir-Cochrane, E. (2006). Demonstrating rigor using thematic analysis: A hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and theme development. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 5 , 1–11.

Hayes, N. (1997). Theory-led thematic analysis: Social identification in small companies. In N. Hayes (Ed.), Doing qualitative analysis in psychology (pp. 93–114). Psychology Press.

Joffe, H. (2012). Thematic analysis. In D. Harper & A. Thompson (Eds.), Qualitative research methods in mental health and psychotherapy: A guide for students and practitioners (pp. 203–223). Wiley-Blackwell.

Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16 , 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847

Schwandt, T. A. (2015). The Sage dictionary of qualitative inquiry (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Tuckett, A. G. (2005). Applying thematic analysis theory to practice: A researcher’s experience. Contemporary Nurse, 19 (1–2), 75–87. https://doi.org/10.5172/conu.19.1-2.75

Xu, W., & Zammit, K. (2020). Applying thematic analysis to education: A hybrid approach to interpreting data in practitioner research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods , 19 , 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920918810

Additional Resources

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11 (4), 589–597. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806

Maguire, M., & Delahunt, B. (2017). Doing a thematic analysis: A practical, step-by-step guide for learning and teaching scholars. All Ireland Journal of Higher Education , 9 (3), 3351–3364. http://ojs.aishe.org/index.php/aishe-j/article/view/335

Thematic analysis:-7:23

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Thematic analysis (the ‘Braun & Clarke’ way): an introduction-1:02:19

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zFcC10vOVY

Understanding Thematic Analysis: 6 steps to perform Thematic Analysis- 6:26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WodStS6nQSk

Vaismoradi, M., Turunen, H., & Bondas, T. (2013). Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study. Nursing & Health Sciences, 15 (3), 398–405. https://doi.org/10.1111/nhs.12048

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Squires, V. (2023). Thematic Analysis. In: Okoko, J.M., Tunison, S., Walker, K.D. (eds) Varieties of Qualitative Research Methods. Springer Texts in Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04394-9_72

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Thematic Analysis – A Guide with Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at August 16th, 2021 , Revised On August 29, 2023

Thematic analysis is one of the most important types of analysis used for qualitative data . When researchers have to analyse audio or video transcripts, they give preference to thematic analysis. A researcher needs to look keenly at the content to identify the context and the message conveyed by the speaker.

Moreover, with the help of this analysis, data can be simplified.  

Importance of Thematic Analysis

Thematic analysis has so many unique and dynamic features, some of which are given below:

Thematic analysis is used because:

• It is flexible.
• It is best for complex data sets.
• It is applied to qualitative data sets.
• It takes less complexity compared to other theories of analysis.

Intellectuals and researchers give preference to thematic analysis due to its effectiveness in the research.

How to Conduct a Thematic Analysis?

While doing any research , if your data and procedure are clear, it will be easier for your reader to understand how you concluded the results . This will add much clarity to your research.

Understand the Data

This is the first step of your thematic analysis. At this stage, you have to understand the data set. You need to read the entire data instead of reading the small portion. If you do not have the data in the textual form, you have to transcribe it.

Example: If you are visiting an adult dating website, you have to make a data corpus. You should read and re-read the data and consider several profiles. It will give you an idea of how adults represent themselves on dating sites. You may get the following results:

I am a tall, single(widowed), easy-going, honest, good listener with a good sense of humor. Being a handyperson, I keep busy working around the house, and I also like to follow my favourite hockey team on TV or spoil my two granddaughters when I get the chance!! Enjoy most music except Rap! I keep fit by jogging, walking, and bicycling (at least three times a week). I have travelled to many places and RVD the South-West U.S., but I would now like to find that special travel partner to do more travel to warm and interesting countries. I now feel it’s time to meet a nice, kind, honest woman who has some of the same interests as I do; to share the happy times, quiet times, and adventures together

I enjoy photography, lapidary & seeking collectibles in the form of classic movies & 33 1/3, 45 & 78 RPM recordings from the 1920s, ’30s & ’40s. I am retired & looking forward to travelling to Canada, the USA, the UK & Europe, China. I am unique since I do not judge a book by its cover. I accept people for who they are. I will not demand or request perfection from anyone until I am perfect, so I guess that means everyone is safe. My musical tastes range from Classical, big band era, early jazz, classic ’50s & 60’s rock & roll & country since its inception.

Development of Initial Coding:

At this stage, you have to do coding. It’s the essential step of your research . Here you have two options for coding. Either you can do the coding manually or take the help of any tool. A software named the NOVIC is considered the best tool for doing automatic coding.

For manual coding, you can follow the steps given below:

• Please write down the data in a proper format so that it can be easier to proceed.
• Use a highlighter to highlight all the essential points from data.
• Make as many points as possible.
• Take notes very carefully at this stage.
• Apply themes as much possible.
• Now check out the themes of the same pattern or concept.
• Turn all the same themes into the single one.

Example: For better understanding, the previously explained example of Step 1 is continued here. You can observe the coded profiles below:

Make Themes

At this stage, you have to make the themes. These themes should be categorised based on the codes. All the codes which have previously been generated should be turned into themes. Moreover, with the help of the codes, some themes and sub-themes can also be created. This process is usually done with the help of visuals so that a reader can take an in-depth look at first glance itself.

Extracted Data Review

Now you have to take an in-depth look at all the awarded themes again. You have to check whether all the given themes are organised properly or not. It would help if you were careful and focused because you have to note down the symmetry here. If you find that all the themes are not coherent, you can revise them. You can also reshape the data so that there will be symmetry between the themes and dataset here.

For better understanding, a mind-mapping example is given here:

Reviewing all the Themes Again

You need to review the themes after coding them. At this stage, you are allowed to play with your themes in a more detailed manner. You have to convert the bigger themes into smaller themes here. If you want to combine some similar themes into a single theme, then you can do it. This step involves two steps for better fragmentation. 

You need to observe the coded data separately so that you can have a precise view. If you find that the themes which are given are following the dataset, it’s okay. Otherwise, you may have to rearrange the data again to coherence in the coded data.

Corpus Data

Here you have to take into consideration all the corpus data again. It would help if you found how themes are arranged here. It would help if you used the visuals to check out the relationship between them. Suppose all the things are not done accordingly, so you should check out the previous steps for a refined process. Otherwise, you can move to the next step. However, make sure that all the themes are satisfactory and you are not confused.

When all the two steps are completed, you need to make a more précised mind map. An example following the previous cases has been given below:

Define all the Themes here

Now you have to define all the themes which you have given to your data set. You can recheck them carefully if you feel that some of them can fit into one concept, you can keep them, and eliminate the other irrelevant themes. Because it should be precise and clear, there should not be any ambiguity. Now you have to think about the main idea and check out that all the given themes are parallel to your main idea or not. This can change the concept for you.

The given names should be so that it can give any reader a clear idea about your findings. However, it should not oppose your thematic analysis; rather, everything should be organised accurately.

Does your Research Methodology Have the Following?

• Great Research/Sources
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• Accurate Sources

If not, we can help. Our panel of experts makes sure to keep the 3 pillars of Research Methodology strong.

Also, read about discourse analysis , content analysis and survey conducting . we have provided comprehensive guides.

Make a Report

You need to make the final report of all the findings you have done at this stage. You should include the dataset, findings, and every aspect of your analysis in it.

While making the final report , do not forget to consider your audience. For instance, you are writing for the Newsletter, Journal, Public awareness, etc., your report should be according to your audience. It should be concise and have some logic; it should not be repetitive. You can use the references of other relevant sources as evidence to support your discussion.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by thematic analysis.

Thematic Analysis is a qualitative research method that involves identifying, analyzing, and interpreting recurring themes or patterns in data. It aims to uncover underlying meanings, ideas, and concepts within the dataset, providing insights into participants’ perspectives and experiences.

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In historical research, a researcher collects and analyse the data, and explain the events that occurred in the past to test the truthfulness of observations.

Discourse analysis is an essential aspect of studying a language. It is used in various disciplines of social science and humanities such as linguistic, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistic.

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A thematic essay is a type of writing assignment that focuses on a specific theme or topic. It requires you to identify a central theme, discuss it in detail, and make connections between various facts. Your main goal is to demonstrate understanding and interpretation of the given subject matter. This type of essay is commonly used in literature classes or history exams.

If you’ve got an assignment to write a theme essay, you might wonder where you should even start from. No worries, we’ve got you covered here! The first thing you must know about this specific type of paper is that it aims to analyze a certain well-known theme and make an interesting statement about it. Here, you must explain meaning and relevance or complexity of your topic. You should summarize details that support your conclusion. In this article, we will conduct a detailed review of theme essay concept. We will also provide you a step by step guide on how to write a proper one. Let's dive right into it!  

Thematic Essay Definition

Let’s start with defining what is a thematic essay and its purpose. In this type, one should select a thesis and form unique statement related to its aspects. You should write about it, explaining or elaborating to your audience the following:

• How is your statement related to your topic?
• Which important or interesting aspects does it highlight?
• What approaches and literary devices are you using for analysis ? How do you explain your general theme? This can be comparison, metaphor, personification etc.

When composing such an essay, you must formulate and defend your statement. Here, you will demonstrate abilities of analysis and literary devices usage. At least several paragraphs would be needed to display such skills properly.

Thematic Essay Outline: What's Inside

The best way to begin is creating a theme essay outline for your topic. An outline should contain all key parts, concepts and ideas of your paper. You should put it in a sketchy but logical manner. This way you'll quickly prepare a shortened version of your assignment. It will also help you in reviewing it. Adding missing points and correcting significant mistakes would be easier at this early stage. Outline should include all main essay parts:  

• Introduction
• Thesis statement
• Body section
• Conclusion.

Keeping it brief, you should not provide complete sentences to describe your statements, ideas and arguments. A few words would suffice for each important point. Purpose is to make it readable for yourself! You should review it quickly and spot any inconsistencies.

How to Write a Thematic Essay Step-By-Step

Now it is time to focus on how to write a theme analysis essay – the complete text from scratch. Is your goal to impress readers and achieve a good grade? Then it is important that you create a proper essay structure template and don't lose any of your key questions! Stay methodical and keep it logical! Make sure your audience is engaged and don’t disappoint them in the end. Below we’ll provide a general idea for each step of this process.

Step 1. Define the Topic for Your Thematic Essay

When it comes to choosing among thematic essay topics, it is important that you pick an interesting and maybe even a controversial one. At the same time, make sure you can actually provide some meaningful input about it. Your assignment should impress readers with detailed analysis and its author’s writing skills. That's why your chosen topic must provide enough material for that.  There is a diverse choice of topics. Choose the one you are really interested in whether it is  Bullying essay  or  Happiness essay . If you need some ideas for great essay topics, feel free to check out our other articles.  

Step 2. Create a Thematic Essay Outline

We've already covered the main points of theme essay outline concept. When writing it, include all the main parts of your future work. Keep it as short as possible, one paragraph per each key point will be enough. It isn’t even necessary to describe everything with complete sentences! A few words would suffice. Once done, review it first and make necessary corrections. It is advised to review an outline several times. That's how any noticeable gaps or mistakes would be spotted early.

Step 3. Start a Thematic Essay with a Hook

A good thematic essay introduction ought to captivate readers right from the start. That’s why it is always advised to add some ‘hook’ into it. You can begin with an unexpected statement, use wordplay or a plot twist. Then you can explain this in the main body part. This way your audience would be interested to hear those explanations. As a result, your paper will have better chances of success. Apart from that, introduction should contain the main statement and some information about its content.  

Step 4. Write Body Paragraphs for Your Theme Essay

Goal of thematic essay body is to answer all the questions stated in an introduction. You must elaborate the meaning of each key idea. Finally, display your usage of literary devices, as we’ve specified earlier. Common practice is to use at least one paragraph per a literary device disclosure. Besides, the main body is the right place to use all relevant sources that can support your analysis or provide you with helpful analogies. Keep the main body logical, so that every paragraph is somehow connected to the previous and the next ones.  

Step 5. Create a Thematic Essay Conclusion

A strong thematic essay conclusion should highlight all important points from tyourhe essay while avoiding adding new facts or evidence. Just restate your thesis, answer all questions and summarize your arguments. It might be also useful to leave some final note for readers with some deeper analysis of your topic. You can also highlight the need for further exploration of the chosen theme and thus to prepare readers for your future works on this topic.  

Step 6. Proofread Your Thematic Analysis Essay

After completing theme essay, it is highly recommended to review it thoroughly, even several times if possible. The goal is to find mistakes and to spot logical gaps or missing details. Even best essays typically have inconsistencies left at the early stage. Taking a fresh look at your text often reveals some issues. If possible, ask your friends or colleagues to review your text. They might notice something you could not.  

How to Format a Thematic Essay

When it comes to thematic essay format, you need to find out what are the requirements in your assignment or which format is common in the institution you will be presenting your essay for. In case no special requirements were made for you, just choose one of the most popular formats for scholarly papers:  

• APA paper format : typically used in natural sciences, education and psychology fields
• MLA: typically used for works in humanities
• Chicago: typically used in business, history, and fine arts fields.

Thematic Essay Example

Let’s illustrate the explanations above with a few theme essay examples. We’ll provide some real ones here so that your every question would be answered. Hopefully you’ll find some inspiration in these examples for your own winning paper! The examples can be found below. Please scroll down to find them.  

Thematic Essay: Final Thoughts

In this article we have explored the theme essay concept in detail. Its central purpose and main definition were examined and a step by step guide for writing a strong one was suggested. We’ve also provided a few working examples for your convenience. Hopefully, all this information will be useful for your scholarly endeavors!

Feel free to check out our  paper writing services ! We’ve got a team of skilled writers with expertise in different literary areas, ready to help you. They deliver high quality content, always on time.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Theme Essay

1. what is the thematic statement.

A thematic statement typically takes the place of a thesis in a thematic essay. It consists of 1-2 complete sentences that express a theme which you have chosen for your work. This statement must convey the main message and also show what analysis will be done. It should be brief however as most of the details are to be provided in the main body.

2. What is the goal of thematic essay?

The thematic essay goal is to express an idea or some insights about the surrounding world and to change readers' minds about certain issues. As an author, you are expected to illustrate the team, provide all necessary explanations and conduct an analysis if needed. Besides, you typically should demonstrate familiarity with some literary interpretations and methods which are used to examine your theme.

3. How long should a theme essay be?

The minimum length of a theme essay is five paragraphs. One is for introduction, one for conclusion and remaining three for the main body. Of course, it can be more than that, depending on the depth of the theme that was chosen. The main rule is to keep your essay logical and concise, avoiding adding too many details. Otherwise your audience might get tired and the effect produced by your writing would be damaged.

4. What is a thematic essay history?

Thematic essay (history class) should be written to analyze some historical facts or significance of specific literary pieces. A typical case is examining different aspects of a controversial leader from the past or a political event that has produced a number of various important consequences. Or you might argue about a specific role of a certain book during a certain period or its influence on different nations or cultural groups.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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How to Write a Thematic Essay

Every piece of writing ever written has its agenda. Whether it’s to teach a lesson or show the impact of a particular emotion or action, a central theme can be developed. The goal for us as readers is to uncover what the author was trying to tell us between the lines in their literature. When we do finally discover it, we’ve accomplished the first step of thematic essay writing! Let’s see below how to write a thematic essay with our papers writing service .

What Is a Thematic Essay?

Let’s look at the thematic essay definition; a thematic essay is a piece of writing in which an author develops the central theme in some literature using literary devices like foreshadowing, imagery, personification, etc.

A professional essay writer will uncover the primary subject, elaborate upon the literary devices employed, and express the overall significance of the theme. The primary challenge comes from the fact that although there are various subjects, finding the most meaningful and impactful one can be challenging.

Naturally, each person has their own varied interpretation, making it hard to agree on a central theme wholesomely. In short, a well written thematic essay comes from a healthy central idea that is conclusively proven via literary devices and logical arguments.

If you're thinking " i need help with my homework " - contact us!

How to Pick a Thematic Topic?

A crucial aspect of writing a good thematic essay is choosing a theme. Follow the hints listed below to help you create a thematic topic:

Brainstorm from your own experiences. Recall what you were talking about in class, with your mates or parents. Do some of these conversations remind you of some book, novel or another piece of literature?

Write down every idea that comes to mind. Sometimes, your most absurd ideas are the best way to go.

List your favourite literature pieces. Which literature piece was the most touching for you? Try to analyze its subject and problems the author built upon within the story; it might help you come up with your own ideas.

Look at the details of other literature pieces: You might find some interesting details within other literature that can help you come up with your theme.

Still have no idea what to write about? No worries, we have your back.

Thematic Essay Topics

• What is George Orwell’s deliberation in portraying a “Perfect Utopia” in his book 1984?
• What main idea is George Orwell painting about Communism in the book Animal Farm?
• What is Harper Lee saying about innocence in her novel To Kill A Mockingbird?
• What is John Steinbeck saying about loneliness and isolation in Of Mice and Men?
• What is F. Scott Fitzgerald saying about the American Dream in The Great Gatsby?

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How to Find and Explore the Central Theme

As stated before, uncovering the main subject and central theme respectively is the first significant step in a thematic paper. However, with so many things going on within the literature, it may be difficult to interpret the central theme accurately. To make sure you choose it correctly, follow these steps:

1. Summarize the literature: What main idea is the author trying to purvey? Usually, there will be many hints along the way, so choosing the right direction may not be so challenging.

2. Pick the most prevalent subject: One thing to note is the significant difference between a subject and a theme. A subject is the general topic of conversation—whether it be love, bravery, deception, etc. A theme is a specific point the author is making about said subject. So, find the talking point that is most commonly being brought up. This will be the focal point of the essay.

3. Read between the lines: After finding the most suitable subject, decipher what main point the author is trying to make. This will become clearer as you get deeper into the literature since clues and examples will appear frequently. After fully deciphering the central theme, there is one more significant step.

4. Overall significance: What is the overall significance that comes from the author’s point? What can be taken from this and applied to our personal lives? In other words, what is the lesson from all of this? What have we learned?

Feeling difficult to write thematic essay? Leave us a notice and our persuasive essay writer we'll help.

Thematic Essay Outline

The thematic essay has several key components. First of all, it should be five paragraphs or more, depending on the depth of the theme. Next, it should have a concrete thesis statement, which, in other words, is the thematic statement that comes from the main subject. The introduction presents the reader with the subject and the thesis statement. The body paragraphs each discuss one literary element or more to defend the validity of your thesis, all the while providing many supporting details from the text itself. Lastly, the thematic essay conclusion summarizes the main points presented and finishes off with a statement of significance.

Follow the link to learn more about HOW TO CREATE A WINNING OUTLINE

The thematic essay introduction presents the main subject of discussion in a captivating way. The first sentence of the intro should be a hook statement that makes some intriguing claim about the subject of discussion. If done correctly, this will grab your reader's attention. Afterwards, provide any necessary background information from the literature that will help the audience understand your claims later on. Lastly, put together a well thought out thesis statement that reflects the central theme of the novel.

The body paragraphs follow a thematic essay format. Since each body paragraph’s purpose should be to present a literary device as evidence, the topic sentence should introduce the claim and gateway into the evidence. Every topic sentence must mention a literary device and its relationship to the literature.

Afterwards, to validate your claim, use examples from the book that strengthen the reasoning of your statement. These can be actions from the plot or quotations that are parallel with the central theme. It’s imperative to explain how the action/quote links back to your thesis statement, as it shows that you can support your logic.

Remember: each claim must use a literary device. It can not just be a random moment or inference. Thematic essays are all about proving thesis statements through the use of critical literary devices.

The thematic essay conclusion has three main objectives to complete before wrapping up the entire paper. It should not present any new information or facts, but should summarize the information already given. First of all, restate your thesis statement in a new way. Then, summarize the central claims you made within the body of your paper and their influence on the thesis statement. To finish off the entire work, present an overall concluding statement with a global analysis of the subject. Leave your reader with another hook, making him/her interested in digging deeper into the topic.

Try also read an article on poetry analysis essay , it could be useful and can give you new insights.

Thematic Essay Example

The best way to familiarise yourself with this type of writing is to learn from an example. ‍

Even though the ancient Greek cities of Athens and Sparta were geographically close to each other, they had very distinct cultures, lifestyles, values, and political systems that defined them. The following paper compares and contrasts the cultural impacts of the two cities by examining some of the duties and responsibilities of the citizenry as well as the different values that were deemed important. The paper further evaluates the impact of accomplishments that would have been left by both city-states on the history of western civilization.

Wrap Things Up

Before submitting your thematic essay, make sure to check a couple of things to correct any possible errors.

• Double-check and confirm that the central theme you have decided is the one that the author likely meant to focus on. Unless you can provide a secondary issue and present it strongly enough as a primary, validate the primary subject.
• Go through and proofread your entire paper. Nothing makes reading more irritating than grammatical mistakes, clean that stuff up as much as possible.
• Get a second pair of eyes to read through your paper. It’s best to ask a classmate for help, as they most likely have or had a similar assignment. Another great way to polish things up is to ask one of our writers to give you some helpful advice.

We also recommend reading about Jem Finch character traits , our readers find it very interesting.

Having a Trouble with Your Thematic Essay?

Having a hard time thinking up a proper topic to write about? Or, do you have one but are having a hard time deciphering the theme? Let our custom essay writing service do all the work for you. Check out our price calculator to estimate the cost of your assignment.

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General-purpose thematic analysis: a useful qualitative method for anaesthesia research

1 Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

2 Department of Anaesthesia, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

Learning objectives

By reading this article, you should be able to:

• • Explain when to use thematic analysis.
• • Describe the steps in thematic analysis of interview data.
• • Critique the quality of a study that uses the method of thematic analysis.
• • Thematic analysis is a popular method for systematically analysing qualitative data, such as interview and focus group transcripts.
• • It is one of a cluster of methods that focus on identifying patterns of meaning, or themes, across a data set.
• • It is relevant to many questions in perioperative medicine and a good starting point for those new to qualitative research.
• • Systematic approaches to thematically analysing data exist, with key components to demonstrate rigour, accountability, confirmability and reliability.
• • In one study, a useful six-step approach to analysing data is offered.

Anaesthesia research commonly uses quantitative methods, such as surveys, RCTs or observational studies. Such methods are often concerned with answering what questions and how many questions. Qualitative research is more concerned with why questions that enable us to understand social complexities. ‘Qualitative studies in the anaesthetic setting’, write Shelton and colleagues, ‘have been used to define excellence in anaesthesia, explore the reasons behind drug errors, investigate the acquisition of expertise and examine incentives for hand hygiene in the operating theatre’. 1

General-purpose thematic analysis (termed thematic analysis hereafter) is a qualitative research method commonly used with interview and focus group data to understand people's experiences, ideas and perceptions about a given topic. Thematic analysis is a good starting point for those new to qualitative research and is relevant to many questions in the perioperative context. It can be used to understand the experiences of healthcare professionals and patients and their families. Box 1 gives examples of questions amenable to thematic analysis in anaesthesia research.

Examples of questions amenable to thematic analysis.

• (i) How do operating theatre staff feel about speaking up with their concerns?
• (ii) What are trainee's conceptions of the balance between service and learning?
• (iii) What are patients' experiences of preoperative neurocognitive screening?

Alt-text: Box 1

Thematic analysis involves a process of assigning data to a number of codes, grouping codes into themes and then identifying patterns and interconnections between these themes. 2 Thematic analysis allows for a nuanced understanding of what people say and do within their particular social contexts. Of note, thematic analysis can be used with interviews and focus groups and other sources of data, such as documents or images.

Thematic analysis is not the same as content analysis. Content analysis involves counting the frequency with which words or phrases appear in data. Content analysis is a method used to code and categorise textual information systematically to determine trends, frequency and patterns of words used. 3 Conversely, thematic analysis focuses on the relative importance of ideas and how ideas connect and govern practices. Thematic analysis does not rely on frequency counts to indicate the importance of coded data. Content analysis can be coupled with thematic analysis, where both themes and frequencies of particular statements or words are reported.

Thematic analysis is a research method, not a methodology. A methodology is a method with a philosophical underpinning. If researchers report only on what they did, this is the method. If, in addition, they report on the philosophy that governed what they did, this is methodology. Common methodologies in qualitative research include phenomenology, grounded theory, hermeneutics, narrative enquiry and ethnography. 4 Each of these methodologies has associated methods for data analysis. Thematic analysis can be combined with many different qualitative methodologies.

There are also different types of thematic analysis, such as inductive (including general purpose), applied, deductive or semantic thematic analysis. Inductive analysis involves approaching the data with an open mind, inductively looking for patterns and themes and interpreting these for meaning. 2 , 4 Of note, researchers can never have a truly open mind on their topic of interest, so the process will be influenced by their particular perspectives, which need to be declared. In applied and deductive thematic analysis, the researcher will have a pre-existing framework (which may be informed by theory or philosophy) against which they will attempt to categorise the data. 4 , 5 , 6 For semantic thematic analysis, the data are coded on explicit content, and tend to be descriptive rather than interpretative. 6

In this review, we outline what thematic analysis entails and when to use it. We also list some markers to look for to appraise the quality of a published study.

Designing the data collection

Before embarking on qualitative research, as with quantitative research, it is important to seek ethical review of the proposed study. Ethical considerations include such issues as consent, data security and confidentiality, permission to use quotes, potential for identifying individuals or institutions, risk of psychological harm to participants with studies on sensitive issues (e.g. suicide or sexual harassment), power relationships between interviewer and interviewee or intrusion on other activities (such as teaching time or work commitments). 7

Qualitative research often involves asking people questions during interviews or focus groups. Merriam and Tisdell stated that, ‘The most common form of interview is the person-to-person encounter in which one person elicits information from the other’. 8 Information is elicited through careful and purposeful questioning and listening. 9 Research interviews in anaesthesia are generally purposeful conversations with a structure that allows the researcher to gather information about a participant's ideas, perceptions and experiences concerning a given topic.

A structured interview is when the researcher has already decided on a set of questions to ask. 9 If the researcher will ask a set of questions, but has flexibility to follow up responses with further questions, this is called a semi-structured interview. Semi-structured interviews are commonly used in research involving thematic analysis. The researcher can also use other forms of questioning, such as single-question interview. Semi-structured interviews are commonly used in anaesthesia, such as the studies from our own research group. 10 , 11 , 12

Interviews are usually recorded in audio form and then transcribed. For each interview or focus group, a single transcript is created. The transcripts become the written form of data and the collection of transcripts from the research participants becomes the data set.

Designing productive interview questions

The design of interview questions significantly shapes a participant's response. Interview questions should be designed using ‘sensitising concepts’ to encourage participants to share information that will increase a researcher's understanding of the participants' experiences, views, beliefs and behaviours. 13 ‘Sensitising concepts’ describe words in questions that bring the participants' attention to a concept of research interest. Examples of sensitising concepts include speaking up, teamwork and theoretical concepts (such as Kolb's experiential learning cycle or Foucauldian power theory in relation to trainee learning and operating theatre culture). 14 , 15 Specifically, the questions should be framed in such a way as to encourage participants to make sense of their own experience and in their own words. The researcher should try to minimise the influences of their own biases when they design questions. Using open-ended questions will increase the richness of data. Box 2 gives examples of question design.

How to design an interview question.

Alt-text: Box 2

Bias, positionality and reflexivity

Bias is an inclination or prejudice for or against someone or something, whereas positionality is a person's position in society or their stance towards someone or something. For example, Tanisha once had an inexperienced anaesthetist accidentally rupture one of her veins whilst they were siting an i.v. cannula in an emergency situation. Now, Tanisha has a bias against inexperienced anaesthetists. Tanisha's positionality —a medical anthropologist with no anaesthesia training, but working with many anaesthesia colleagues, including her director—may also inform that bias or the way that Tanisha interacts with anaesthetists. Reflexivity is a process whereby people/researchers proactively reflect on their biases and positionality. Biases shape positionality (i.e. the stance of the researcher in relation to the social, historical and political contexts of the study). In practical research terms, biases and positionality inform the way researchers design and undertake research, and the way they interpret data. It is important in qualitative research to both identify biases and positionality, and to take steps to minimise the impact of these on the research.

Some ways to minimise the influence of bias and positionality on findings include:

(i) Raise awareness amongst the research team of bias and positionality.

(ii) Design research/interview questions that minimise potential for these to distort which data are collected or how they are collected.

(iii) Researchers ask reflexive questions during data analysis, such as, ‘Is my bias about xxx informing my view of these data?’

(iv) Two or more researchers are involved in the analysis process.

(v) Data analysis member check (e.g. checking back with participants if the interpretation of their data is consistent with their experience and with what they said).

Before embarking on the study, researchers should consider their own experiences, knowledge and views; how this influences their own position in relation to the study question; and how this position could potentially introduce bias in how they collect and analyse the data. Taking time to reflect on the impact of the researchers' position is an important step towards being reflective and transparent throughout the research process. When writing up the study, researchers should include statements on bias and positionality. In quantitative research, we aim to eliminate bias. In qualitative research, we acknowledge that bias is inevitable (and sometimes even unconscious), and we take steps to make it explicit and to minimise its effect on study design and data interpretation.

Sampling and saturation

Qualitative research typically uses systematic, non-probability sampling. Unlike quantitative research, the goal of sampling is not to randomly select a representative sample from a population. Instead, researchers identify and select individuals or groups relevant to the research question. Commonly used sampling techniques in anaesthesia qualitative research are homogeneous (group) sampling and maximum variation sampling. In the former, researchers may be concerned with the experiences of participants from a distinct group or who share a certain characteristic (e.g. female anaesthesia trainees), so they recruit selectively from within the group with this shared characteristic to gain a rich, in-depth understanding of their experiences. Conversely, the aim with maximum variation sampling is to recruit participants with diverse characteristics to obtain a broad understanding of the question being studied (e.g. members of different professional groups within operating theatre teams, who have diverse ages, gender and ethnicities).

As with quantitative research, the purpose of sampling is to recruit sufficient numbers of participants to enable identification of patterns or richness in what they say or do to understand or explain the phenomenon of interest, and where collecting more data is unlikely to change this understanding.

In qualitative research, data collection and analysis often occur concurrently. This is because data collection is an iterative process both in recruitment and in questioning. The researchers may identify that more data are needed from a particular demographic group or on a particular theme to reach data saturation, so the next participants may be selected from a particular demographic, or be asked slightly different questions or probes to draw out that theme. Sample size is considered adequate when little or no new information emerges from interviews or focus groups; this is generally termed ‘data saturation’, although some qualitative researchers use the term ‘data sufficiency’. This could also be explained in terms of data reliability (i.e. the researcher is satisfied that collecting more data will not substantially change the results). Data saturation typically occurs with between 12 and 17 participants in a relatively homogeneous sampling, but larger numbers may be required, where the interviewees are from distinct groups or cultures. 16 , 17

Data management

For data sets that involve 10 or more transcripts or lengthy interviews (e.g. 90 min or more), researchers often use software to help them collate and manage the data. The most commonly used qualitative software packages are QSR NVivo, Atlas and Dedoose. 18 , 19 , 20 Many researchers use Microsoft Excel instead, or for small data sets the analysis can be done by hand, with pen, paper and scissors (i.e. researchers cut up printed transcripts and reorder the information according to code and theme). 21 NVivo and Atlas are simply repositories, in which you can input the transcripts and, using your coding scheme, sort the text into codes. They facilitate the task of analysis, rather than doing the analysis for you. Some advantages over coding by hand are that text can be allocated to more than one code, and you can easily identify the source of the segment of text you have coded.

Data analysis

Qualitative data analysis is ‘the classification and interpretation of linguistic (or visual) material to make statements about implicit and explicit dimensions and structures of meaning-making in the material and what is represented in it’. 22

Several social scientists have described this analytical process in depth. 2 , 6 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 For inductive studies, we recommend researchers follow Braun and Clarke's practical six-phase approach to thematic analysis. 26 The phases are (i) familiarising the researcher with the data, (ii) generating initial codes, (iii) searching for themes, (iv) reviewing themes, (v) defining and naming themes and (vi) producing the report. These six phases are described next.

Phase 1: familiarising the researcher with the data

In this step, the researchers read the transcripts to become familiar with them and take notes on potential recurring ideas or potential themes. They share and discuss their ideas and, in conjunction with any sensitising concepts, they start thinking about possible codes or themes.

Phase 2: generating initial codes

The first step in Phase 2 is ‘assigning some sort of short-hand designation to various aspects of your data so that you can easily retrieve specific pieces of the data’. 2 The designation might be a word or a short phrase that summarises or captures the essence of a particular piece of text. Coding makes it easier to summarise and compare, which is important because qualitative research is primarily about synthesis and comparison of data. 2 , 25 As the researcher reads through the data, they assign codes. If they are coding a transcript, they might highlight some words, for example, and attach to them a single word that summarises their meaning.

Researchers undertaking thematic analysis should iteratively develop a ‘coding scheme’, which is essentially a list of the codes they create as they read the data, and definitions for each code. 25 , 26 Code definitions are important, as they help the researcher make decisions on whether to assign this code or another one to a segment of data. In Table 1 , we have provided an example of text data in Column 1. TJ analysed these data. To do so, she asked, ‘What are these data about? How does it answer the research question? What is the essence of this statement?’ She underlined keywords and created codes and definitions (Columns 2 and 3). Then, TJ searched the remaining data to see if any more data met each code definition, and if so, coded that (see Table 1 ). As demonstrated in Table 1 , data can be coded to multiple codes.

Table 1

How to code qualitative data: an example

In thematic analysis of interview data, we recommend that code definitions begin with something objective, such as ‘participant describes’. This keeps the researcher's focus on what participants said rather than what the researcher thought or said.

There is no set rule for how many codes to create. 25 However, in our experience, effective manageable coding schemes tend to have between 15 and 50 codes. The coding scheme is iterative. This means that the coding scheme is developed over time, with new codes being created as more data are coded. For example, after a close reading of the first transcript, the researcher might create, say, 10 codes that convey the key points. Then, the researcher reads and codes the next transcript and may, for instance, create additional four codes. As additional transcripts are read and coded, more codes may be created. Not all codes are relevant to all transcripts. The researcher will notice patterns as they code more transcripts. Some codes may be too broad and will need to be refined into two or three smaller codes (and vice versa ). Once the coding scheme is deemed complete and all transcripts have been coded, the researcher should go back to the beginning and recode the first few transcripts to ensure coding rigour.

The second step in Phase 2, once the coding is complete, is to collate all the data relevant to each of these codes.

Phase 3: searching for themes

In this phase, the researchers look across the codes to identify connections between them, with the intention of collating the codes into possible themes. Once these possible themes have been identified, all the data relevant to each possible theme are pulled together under that theme.

Phase 4: reviewing the themes

After the initial collation of the data into themes, the researchers undertake a rigorous process of checking the integrity of these themes, through reading and re-reading their data. This process includes checking to see if the themes ‘fit’ in relation to the coded excerpts (i.e. Do all the data collected under that theme fit within that theme?). Next is checking if the themes fit in relation to the whole data set (i.e. Do the themes adequately reflect the data?) This step may result in the search for additional themes. As a final step in this phase, the researchers create a thematic ‘map’ of the analysis.

When viewed together, the themes should answer the research question and should summarise participant experiences, views or behaviours.

Phase 5: naming the themes

Once researchers have checked the themes and included any additional emerging themes they name the final set of themes identified. Each theme and any subthemes should be listed in turn.

Phase 6: producing the report

The report should summarise the themes and illustrate them by choosing vivid or persuasive extracts from the data. For data arising from interviews, extracts will be quotes from participants. In some studies, researchers also report strong associations between themes, or divide a theme into sub-themes.

Tight word limits on many academic journals can make it difficult to include multiple quotes in the text. 27 One way around a word limit is to provide quotes in a table or a supplementary file, although quotes within the text tend to make for more interesting and compelling reading.

Who should analyse the data?

Ideally, each researcher in the team should be involved in the data analysis. Contrasting researcher viewpoints on the same study subject enhance data quality and validity, and minimise research bias. Independent analysis is time and resource intensive. In clinical research, close independent analysis by each member of the research team may be impractical, and one or two members may undertake the analysis while the rest of the research team read sections of data (e.g. reading two or three transcripts rather than closely analysing the whole data set), thus contributing to Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Braun and Clarke's method. 2

The research team should regularly meet to discuss the analytical process, as described earlier, to workshop and reach agreement on the coding and emergent themes (Phase 4 and Phase 5). The research team members compare their perspectives on the data, analyse divergences and coincidences and reach agreement on codes and emerging themes. Contrasting researcher viewpoints on the same study subject enhance data quality and validity, and minimise research bias.

Judging the quality and rigour of published studies involving thematic analysis

There are a number of indicators of quality when reading and appraising studies. 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 In essence, the authors should clearly state their method of analysis (e.g. thematic analysis) and should reference the literature relevant to their qualitative method, for example Braun and Clarke. 2 This is to indicate that they are following established steps in thematic analysis. The authors should include in the methods a description of the research team, their biases and experience and the efforts made to ensure analytical rigour. Verbatim quotes should be included in the findings to provide evidence to support the themes.

A number of guides have been published to assist readers, researchers and reviewers to evaluate the quality of a qualitative study. 30 , 31 The Joanna Briggs Institute guide to critical appraisal of qualitative studies is a good start. 30 This guide includes a set of 10 criteria, which can be used to rate the study. The criteria are summarised in Box 3 . Within these criteria lie rigorous methodological approaches to how data are collected, analysed and interpreted.

Ten quality appraisal criteria for qualitative literature.31

• (i) Alignment between the stated philosophical perspective and the research methodology
• (ii) Alignment between the research methodology and the research question or objectives
• (iii) Alignment between the research methodology and the methods used to collect data
• (iv) Alignment between the research methodology and the representation and analysis of data
• (v) Alignment between the research methodology and the interpretation of results
• (vi) A statement locating the researcher culturally or theoretically (positionality and bias)
• (vii) The influence of the researcher on the research, and vice versa
• (viii) Adequate representation of participants and their voices
• (ix) Ethical research conduct and evidence of ethical approval by an appropriate body
• (x) Conclusions flow from the analysis, or interpretation, of the data

Alt-text: Box 3

Another approach to quality appraisal comes from Lincoln and Guba, who have published widely on the topic of judging qualitative quality. 28 They look for quality in terms of credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and authenticity. There are many qualitative checklists readily accessible online, such as the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist or the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist, which researchers can include in their work to demonstrate quality in these areas.

Conclusions

As with quantitative research, qualitative research has requirements for rigour and trustworthiness. Thematic analysis is an accessible qualitative method that can offer researchers insight into the shared experiences, views and behaviours of research participants.

Declaration of interests

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

The associated MCQs (to support CME/CPD activity) will be accessible at www.bjaed.org/cme/home by subscribers to BJA Education .

Biographies

Tanisha Jowsey PhD BA (Hons) MA PhD is a senior lecturer in the Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, School of Medicine, University of Auckland. She has a background in medical anthropology and has expertise as a qualitative researcher.

Carolyn Deng MPH FANZCA is a specialist anaesthetist at Auckland City Hospital. She has a Master of Public Health degree. She is embarking on qualitative research in perioperative medicine and hopes to use it as a tool to complement quantitative research findings in the future.

Jennifer Weller MD MClinEd FANZCA FRCA is head of the Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education at the University of Auckland. Professor Weller is a specialist anaesthetist at Auckland City Hospital and often uses qualitative methods in her research in clinical education, teamwork and patients' safety.

Matrix codes: 1A01, 2A01, 3A01

How to Write a Thematic Essay With Explanations and Examples

26 December 2023

last updated

Thematic essays are common essay assignments in college across all disciplines. Basically, this guide begins with a definition of a thematic essay and provides sample topics for illustration. Next, the manual deconstructs the process of writing a thematic essay. Moreover, the guide covers three core stages of thematic essay writing: preliminary actions, establishing the essay’s foundation, and writing. Finally, the manual presents a sample outline and an example of a thematic essay to demonstrate a real writing situation where a student implements these guidelines of thematic essay writing correctly. Hence, students need to learn how to write a thematic essay.

Definition of a Thematic Essay

A thematic essay is a form of academic writing that requires an author to react to a particular question or theme. In this case, instructors expect students to develop a written reaction to a question or theme by connecting various pieces of information to reach a reasonable conclusion. Moreover, a thematic essay has a high demand for research and a critical examination of subtle relationships that exist between sources. Then, the research process yields a significant amount of information, which learners may use to generate numerous unique logical relationships that lead to rational inferences. Consequently, students may select any set of evidence with a clear, logical association provided that their central claim centers on a theme of interest.

Sample Topics for Thematic Essays

• A pure democracy.
• Privacy rights in the big data age.
• Life in prison and the ex-convict experience.

2. Sociology

• Major parenting issues of the 21 st century.
• Family bonds in immigrant families.
• Escaping the cycle of poverty.

3. Literature

• The significance of a muse.
• Corruption in 18 th century short stories.
• Female authors that left a mark on classical literature.
• Memories of the holocaust.
• Landmines on the modern political landscape.
• The cause of the collapse of Middle East alliances in the 20 th century.

5. Psychology

• Teenage confidence after the emergence of social media.
• The impact of abuse on the formation of relationships.
• The efficacy of proactive counseling.

How Do You Know if Your Paper Is Thematic?

A student can readily identify a thematic essay topic because it boldly pronounces a theme but does not hint at any specific point of view. In particular, the primary goal of a topic of a thematic essay is to inform readers of a theme rather than the particular approach of an author, which becomes more apparent in the introductory paragraph. Specifically, a thematic essay topic does not allow students to develop a particular supposition concerning a theme because authors realize that there may be multiple points of view concerning the idea of a thematic essay.

3 Steps For Writing an Effective Thematic Essay

Step 1: preliminary actions, a. define a topic.

The ability of students to define a topic is dependent on the extent to which they understand essay rubric and instructions. Basically, once learners receive thematic essay instructions, they should critically read their prompts to ensure that they comprehend all demands of writing requirements. Then, writers should use keywords from their instructions to develop one or more questions, which represent the expectations of instructors. Based on developed questions, students can create a topic that adequately captures the content of possible responses holistically. Also, authors must consider the information in the instructions, which establishes the leeway that they have in the selection of a topic, for example, choose a topic not covered in-class readings.

B. Identify a Purpose for Writing a Thematic Essay

The procedure of identifying a purpose occurs in two distinct stages: the selection of a general goal and defining a specific purpose. Basically, authors may use a thematic essay to achieve two general purposes: explanation and persuasion. In this case, expectations of instructors influence the choice of the general purpose of a thematic essay to a large extent. After learners pick the general purpose for writing an essay, they should create a specific purpose that shows the particular effect that their papers must have on readers. Mostly, writers generate a specific purpose from questions that represent thematic essay instructions. In turn, the early determination of the purpose is crucial because it affects the students’ approach to research and word choice during drafting.

C. Analyze an Audience

Before writing a thematic essay, students need to determine the characteristics and expectations of readers. Basically, knowledge concerning the characteristics and expectations of the audience is valuable because it allows authors to understand the interaction between the characteristics and attitudes toward a topic, the readers’ level of expertise, and the significance of misconceptions, which aid in selecting the appropriate presentation approach. Specifically, learners can determine the most effective organization patterns, identify the best evidence, and employ an accepted documentation style. Moreover, students ensure that a suitable level of explanation accompanies specialized terms that appear in a thematic essay.

D. Generate Ideas

After learners define the purpose and comprehend the needs and traits of the audience, they begin to develop ideas for the content of a thematic essay. Mostly, thematic essay assignments for a particular subject focus on topics that lecturers discuss in classrooms and other course readings. Consequently, students may generate ideas through brainstorming based on the relevant information from the unit and other related units that they encounter during their schooling. During brainstorming, writers engage in idea mapping and clustering, which enables them to keep track of relationships between ideas.

Step 2: Establishing a Foundation of a Thematic Essay

A. search for sources.

The author’s initial ideas regarding a topic act as the starting point for acquiring credible sources that support and refine those ideas. Basically, contemporary learners engage in electronic searchers to find useful and reliable sources for thematic essays. In this case, students should begin their search on the library’s website, which provides them with material that is reliable for academic writing . Also, library search engines have complex filter functionalities, which make the process of searching for academic sources quite simple. Then, authors turn to open-web searches using Google Scholar or other public search engines that generate a significantly larger number of sources. However, some articles may not be accessible to students. Moreover, the burden of determining the reliability of sources falls on authors when they use open-web search engines. In turn, students rely entirely on keywords or keyword combinations to generate working bibliographies.

B. Evaluate Sources

Working bibliographies undergo an intensive evaluation process to establish whether they meet the necessary quality standards for inclusion in a college-level thematic essay. In this case, the evaluation process involves two primary stages: relevance determination and reliability test. During relevance determination, authors should examine each source by using three criteria:

• The level of attention that the source gives to the topic.
• The suitability of the sources’ sophistication to the purpose and audience’s needs.
• Impact of publication date on the relevance of its information.

Next, the reliability test investigates five critical aspects:

• The origin of the source.
• The level of expertise of authors.
• Biases of a source in the context of existing literature.
• Availability and quality of the evidence supporting the source’s claims.
• Objectivity in the presentation of the author’s claims and handling of evidence.

C. Write an Annotated Bibliography

At this point, the revised working bibliography now contains fewer sources that relevant and reliable. In particular, students should engage in critical reading of all sources on the working bibliography to identify useful pieces of information that they may incorporate into a thematic essay. After reading each source, learners create an annotation that contains a summary of a source, ideas for using this source, and an assessment of this source. Besides the three main elements of an annotated bibliography entry, writers may choose to mention specific pieces of evidence, which are the most significant contributions of a source to a thematic essay. Typically, writers develop an annotated bibliography from notes that they make as they read through a text.

D. Develop an Outline

Based on an annotated bibliography, students create an essay outline . Basically, the content of an annotated bibliography entries allows learners to develop relationships between sources, which is essential because it begins to shape an essay structure . In this case, writers identify and group sources that support a general point, which splits a body of a thematic essay into discernible sections. Then, authors break down each general point into specific points that can exist as a body paragraph and assign appropriate sources to individual body paragraphs. Furthermore, scholars logically organize particular points and establish some form of flow within each section of a body paragraph. In turn, writers document the organization of general and specific ideas and the distribution of evidence in a list, like a format that allows for easy identification of hierarchy.

Step 3: Writing a Thematic Essay

A. design a working thesis.

A student develops a working thesis statement , which presents his or her central claim. Basically, questions that writers derive from assignment instructions and specific minor arguments listed in a thematic essay outline are the main pieces of information that they use to generate a thesis statement. Initially, a working thesis statement may appear as a simple combination of individual responses to assignment questions in the context of the information that forms an outline. However, authors must unite individual answers under a specific inference that demonstrates the significance of a thematic essay. Also, a working thesis statement undergoes multiple revisions, which occur randomly during the writing process.

B. Review an Outline

Once an author forms a working thesis statement, a person subjects an informal outline to a revision that results in the creation of a formal outline for a thematic essay. Basically, body paragraphs of a thematic essay are building blocks for a central claim. Consequently, learners must review an informal outline to ensure that there is an apparent logical build-up to the inference, which they announce in a thesis statement. During this review, students focus on the organization of minor arguments to ensure that body paragraphs contain a single minor idea while maintaining a rational relationship with other body paragraphs. Moreover, a formal outline contains a systematic arrangement where information with the same level of significance or roles has identical indentation or numbering.

C. Select Sources

Based on a formal outline, students make a final assessment of sources for each body paragraph. In particular, a formal outline contains some changes in its organization and the framing of minor arguments of a thematic essay. Also, these changes may affect the relevance of sources to each body paragraph’s argument. Then, the subdivision or merging of minor arguments may cause some sources to become inadequate because they do not extensively cover new minor ideas. Therefore, writers should check the suitability of each source to arguments it supports to ensure that each source provides strong, relevant, and accurate evidence before commencing the drafting process.

D. Draft a Paper

During the drafting stage, authors expand a thematic outline into a complete essay by changing statements and brief notes into coherent paragraphs. Basically, there is no fixed approach to the drafting of a thematic essay because students may start drafting at any point in a thematic essay with the aid of a formal outline. Nonetheless, it is an excellent practice for learners to begin drafting from a paragraph that they understand the best because it ensures that writers waste very little time in trying to overcome the fear of creating the first draft. In turn, scholars should allocate adequate time for drafting.

How to Perfect a Thematic Essay

1. revision, a. self-critic.

After completing the first draft, students undertake a self-conducted revision process, which involves rethinking and rewriting. Basically, the process of revision focuses on the evaluation of the evidence and organization of body paragraphs to ensure that they support a working thesis statement entirely. Further, learners revisit a working thesis statement to refine its wording and the claim its presents. Before starting the revision process, writers should take a break, which allows a brain to reset and attain a higher level of objectivity while revising. Moreover, scholars should use a checklist to reduce the risk of overlooking various crucial thematic essay dynamics during individual revision.

B. Peer Review

The individual revision process identifies the apparent flaws in content presentation, but numerous flaws may go unnoticed due to the authors’ subconscious biases concerning their writing styles . As a result, students should subject their thematic essays to a peer review by a classmate, tutor, parent, or writing center staff. In this case, learners should select a peer reviewer that best represents a member of the target audience. Moreover, authors may provide peer reviewers with a checklist to guide them through the revision process, especially if a person is not an expert editor. Then, students should assign the peer review process adequate time to allow reviewers to carry out the revision task comfortably. In turn, once writers receive feedback from peer reviewers, they consider comments in making the final revision of a paper.

A. Clarity and Effectiveness

The first consideration in the editing process is the clarity and effectiveness of sentences in a thematic essay. Basically, authors should edit each sentence to ensure that statements convey the intended meaning to readers. In this case, it is advisable to focus on six clarity issues, which are the most common in thematic essays: lack of parallelism, dangling modifiers, vague references to pronouns, incomplete sentences, and incorrect separation of sentences. Besides clarity, learners should evaluate the efficacy of each statement separately and as part of a paragraph. In turn, the effectiveness of statements revolves around the smoothness of transitions, conciseness, variability in sentence structure and length, the distinctiveness of the author’s voice, and emphasis on core ideas.

B. Surface Errors

The subsequent stage of the editing process involves editing for surface errors and documentation errors. In particular, students should strive to eliminate all surface errors because they divert the readers’ attention to meaning, although some writing errors do not necessarily change the meaning of sentences. For example, learners can edit surface errors by using six-item criteria: spelling errors, comma splices, sentence fragments, verb errors, punctuation errors, and pronoun errors. Moreover, students should not attempt to conduct clarity and effectiveness editing simultaneously with surface error editing, which may result in poor editing because of the extensive nature of rules governing the English language. In turn, the final step in editing is the correction of any documentation errors while referring to the appropriate style manual.

Sample Outline for a Thematic Essay

I. introduction.

A. Hook sentence. B. Background information. C. Thesis statement.

A. First paragraph

1. The idea for the first paragraph. 2. Evidence supporting this paragraph’s claim. 3. Interpretation and analysis of the evidence.

• First specific deduction from the evidence.
• Second specific deduction from the evidence.

4. A concluding statement that demonstrates the link between the first paragraph’s claim and thesis statement.

B. Second body paragraph

1. The idea for the second paragraph. 2. Evidence supporting this paragraph’s claim. 3. Interpretation and analysis of the evidence.

4. A concluding statement that demonstrates the link between the second paragraph’s claim and thesis statement.

C. Third body paragraph

1. The idea for the third paragraph. 2. Evidence supporting this paragraph’s claim. 3. Interpretation and analysis of the evidence.

4. A concluding statement that demonstrates the link between the third paragraph’s claim and thesis statement.

III. Conclusion

A. Restatement of the thesis statement. B. Summary of the three minor arguments in the body paragraphs. C. Closing remarks emphasizing the significance of the central claim in the context of the three minor arguments.

Commentary on a Thematic Essay Outline

1. identify a central theme.

The audience can determine the central theme of a thematic essay from a thesis statement or an overview of topic statements. Basically, a well-composed thesis statement must explicitly mention the central theme or implicitly hint at the central theme. Alternatively, the audience can read through topic sentences and correctly speculate the central theme of a thematic essay because minor arguments in individual body paragraphs are building blocks of a thesis statement. However, the readers’ ability to identify the central theme from a formal outline is dependent on their pre-existing knowledge concerning a topic because an outline uses statements and annotations with little explanation.

2. Uniqueness

A thematic essay stands out from other types of essays because of the high level of freedom that writers enjoy during authorship. During the writing of a thematic essay, authors can choose any purpose or a combination of purposes to use in different sections of 5 parts of an essay , which is a luxury that argumentative essays and expository essays do not extend to writers. Also, essay instructions for a thematic essay tend to define a broad scope for research, which implies that authors may develop a wide variety of arguments. In turn, the expansive nature of the subject of a paper is not present for argumentative essays, which forces students to choose one of the two sides of a controversial issue.

Outlining a Thematic Essay

The introduction section is the first part of a thematic essay, which consists of three main elements: hook, background information, and thesis statement. Firstly, a hook is the first statement of an essay that plays the role of capturing the audience’s attention through creative wording, which gives them a reason to read the entire essay. Since students know how to write a hook , they provide the essential background information that readers require to understand a thesis statement. Moreover, the background information element does not have a fixed length. Instead, it is dependent on the complexity of a thesis statement and the overall length of a thematic essay. Also, a thesis statement is the final item of the introductory paragraph. In turn, the length of introductions is approximately 10% of the essay’s word count.

II. Body Paragraphs

A. topic sentence.

A topic sentence contains a minor claim that an author discusses within a paragraph. For example, its primary role is to establish content boundaries, which ensures that students focus on a particular idea in each paragraph. Moreover, a topic statement should present a minor argument and mention a relation that it has to the central idea or make a tacit suggestion of its link to a thesis statement. Therefore, writers should avoid the use of in-text citations in a topic statement because it implies that an idea is not original.

B. Evidence

After a topic sentence, students unveil the evidence that supports their claims. In college writing, an in-text citation should accompany any evidence that learners introduce into a thematic essay to direct readers to its origin. Also, learners should rely heavily on summary and paraphrasing as opposed to a direct quotation from sources. Nevertheless, some thematic essay instructions may specify a particular technique that writers must use when integrating evidence into a paper.

C. Evaluation

This element of a paragraph structure allows authors to explain the significance of the evidence to the paragraph’s argument. Firstly, students provide an interpretation of the evidence, which informs the audience of the meaning of the evidence in the context of a source text. Then, writers explain the value of the evidence in developing a reasonable justification for the idea proposed in topic sentences. In turn, learners should avoid the inclusion of lengthy pieces of evidence because it creates a situation where the voice of sources is more dominant than the author’s voice.

D. Concluding Statement

A concluding statement emphasizes the logical relationship that exists between the topic sentence, evidence, evaluation, and thesis statement. In some cases, it may establish the relationship of a paragraph with the preceding paragraph. Also, students should ensure that a concluding sentence of a paragraph does not contain a meaningless summary of the key pieces of evidence. Then, a concluding statement must not contain any new evidence because there is no opportunity to explain the contribution of the evidence in supporting the paragraph’s argument.

A concluding paragraph has three critical features: a restatement of the main claim, a summary of minor arguments, and closing remarks. Basically, the opening statement of a thematic essay reminds students of the central argument by using new words and syntax. After the opening statement, learners summarize minor claims that appear in individual body paragraphs while maintaining a logical organization, which is identical to the arrangement of ideas in the body. Finally, authors write a strong closing statement that knits together the introduction, thesis statement, and minor claims to create a lasting impression on the audience. Moreover, students should ensure that they do not introduce new evidence or arguments in a concluding paragraph. In turn, authors must not apologize for a lack of expertise on a topic or make absolute claims because it diminishes the efficacy of the conclusion.

Example of a Thematic Essay

Topic: Recruitment of Terrorists

I. Sample Introduction of a Thematic Essay

Terrorism is a global problem, which appears to be spreading despite an increment in the efforts to suppress its growth. Basically, the prevention of recruitment is a crucial counterterrorism strategy. Moreover, its efficacy is dependent on the understanding of the terrorists’ recruitment techniques. In turn, the terrorist groups’ recruitment methods focus on the target’s identity crisis, which puts a potential member at risk of falling for the ‘appeal’ of terrorism.

II. Examples of Body Paragraphs in a Thematic Essay

A. motivation.

An individual’s desire to be part of a movement that is effecting a radical change in society is a significant motivator for participation in terrorism. For example, recent studies show that terrorist groups begin conversations with most young recruits on social media platforms, which discuss topics concerning social, political, and economic oppression (Jacks, 2020). Basically, this finding suggests that young people in contemporary society have a desire to correct the ‘wrongs’ in society as a means of identity. Consequently, terrorists use the increased sensitivity to social injustices as a common ground to initiate and build a relationship with a prospective recruit. In turn, the youth’s strong desire to do something to stop social injustices that their respective governments ignore leaves them vulnerable to radicalization by terrorist groups.

B. Religious Beliefs

Fanatical religious belief may drive an individual to support or participate in terrorism for the sake of being part of a group. According to Mohammed (2020), the constant pressure from religious parents causes the blind indoctrination of adolescents and young adults, which enables recruiters from terrorist groups to present religious concepts as justifications for terrorism, for example, the holy war. In this case, Mohammed concedes that the mosque is an ideal site for the recruitment of terrorism because of the presence of youth with highly impressionable minds. Moreover, youths depend on teachings at places of worship for knowledge that defines their perspective of the world. As a result, terrorist recruiters disguising as spiritual leaders can easily nurture fanatical beliefs, which endorse terrorist activities. Eventually, a feeling of separation from the conservative believers pushes them to pursue groups that share their fanatical religious beliefs.

C. Recruiting

The loss of a family member to counterterrorism activities may act as a motivation factor for grievers that are trying to re-establish their identities because they no longer fit in the traditional social structures. For instance, Tobias (2020) argues that recruiters prey on the pain of grieving family members by offering them retribution as a solution to the overwhelming feeling of incompleteness. After the death of a family member, the emotional turmoil increases the susceptibility of individuals to the idea that terrorist acts are an appropriate response to the ‘killers’ of their loved ones. Often, recruitment occurs during this unstable state and encourages the individual to relive the pain each day, which results in permanent erosion of their former identity. Accordingly, grievers may find themselves as sympathizers of terrorism, which leads to active or passive participation.

III. Sample Conclusion of a Thematic Essay

Most members of terrorist organizations experience an identity crisis at the time of recruitment. Basically, the need to gain membership to a group, which fights against social injustices, tolerates fanatical religious beliefs, or seeks revenge for the death of loved ones, is a sign that identity crisis is common characteristics in recruits. In turn, current counterterrorism initiatives should seek to break the cycle of recruitment, which will weaken terrorist groups.

Takeaway on How to Write a Good Thematic Essay

• Students should define a narrow topic to guide them in generating ideas in response to a thematic essay prompt.
• The characteristics and expectations of the audience are vital in determining an appropriate presentation approach.
• Before drafting a thematic essay, authors must create a formal outline and annotated bibliography, which are critical for organization and evidence selection.
• The maintenance of a high level of fluidity during drafting is critical during drafting because it allows writers to experiment with different styles of expression.
• Revision and editing are aspects of the writing process that a student should not take lightly.
• All body paragraphs must adhere to the four-element paragraph structure.
• The conclusion of a thematic essay should not contain any new evidence or arguments.
• Learners must compose a thesis statement that captures a theme that instructors highlight in essay prompts.

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How to Write a Thematic Essay?

06 August, 2020

12 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

The road to graduation from any educational institution is lined with essays and written assignments – and the majority of these happen to be thematic essays, as they are supposed to demonstrate that the students understand the topic or material well. A thematic essay is almost as old as writing is, for it focuses on investigating a topic to provide detailed analysis and evidence of why a certain claim can be made.

What is a Thematic Essay?

Although this type of essay is commonly used to analyze some historical facts or a specific literary piece and its significance, a thematic essay can be assigned on a variety of subjects. It is also a traditional classroom essay that may be a part of different exams, so students may be required to craft a thematic essay within limited time, sticking to the topic provided. This is the main reason why they consider thematic essays difficult, but whenever there’s a longer deadline and a choice of topics, the writing process is easier.

However, there’s an important thing that everyone who’s wondering ‘what is a thematic essay?’ needs to know. This type of essay mainly lets the teacher determine your knowledge of the material, and it should demonstrate your comprehension of the topic that you can back up with solid arguments and relevant examples. But proper structure is just as essential to your writing as the scope of the topic. All of the points you want to make, as well as the supporting evidence must be organized in a clear, consecutive way. If your essay lacks focus or is illogical in its organization, your readers will not be able to recognize neither the thoroughness of your research, nor the significance of your critical thinking. They might even have trouble following what evidence you found to help you arrive at a certain conclusion.

How to Find and Explore the Central Theme?

To tackle this type of essay, you often have to narrow down a topic that’s too broad before getting started on your writing. A theme is what an author portrays in a literary work, or the specific point the author is making. Often, it is the most frequently discussed one, or it is a lesson of the greatest overall significance that can be derived from the work and applied to our lives. Thus, to effectively plan out how you are going to write a thematic essay, identify the theme first. Focus on the main point the author is trying to make about a particular subject, the message he is trying to convey, why it is relevant or important at the moment, and the way the reader can benefit from it.

That’s why having a place to start and an outline to follow lays the groundwork for your thematic essay. It is the most important step in the entire essay writing process.

Thematic Essay Outline

By using an outline to shape your essay, you have a format to follow that ensures knowledge of the topic, addressing all the questions of the assignment, and keeping all of the points you want to make well-organized. A thematic essay outline lets you effectively draw parallels between different facts, formulate a coherent and detailed evaluation of the topic, and see whether something in the essay is lacking or needs to be rearranged and revised.

Some essay types may have less rigid layouts and writing requirements, allowing for more creativity and freedom when it comes to formatting. However, this is not the case with instructions on how to write a thematic essay. Just as with other traditional essays, there should be at least five paragraphs in a thematic essay, including an introduction with a thesis statement, three body paragraphs that will support your thesis with relevant arguments and examples, and a logical conclusion to wrap everything up at the end.

Introduction 

Generally, to write a thematic essay you need to have an idea of what your thesis will be, how your body paragraphs will prove it, and how you are going to summarize all of the arguments detailed in the body of the essay in your conclusion. The introduction has to present the main subject of your essay as well as any necessary background information and your thesis statement. At the same time, it should be interesting enough to make the reader want to learn more about the topic. The opening sentence of the introduction is often referred to as a ‘hook’ because it is supposed to grab the reader’s attention. For this purpose, it can evoke anticipation, controversy, irony, or ask a question. The thesis statement is very important because it gives your topic a direction and a specific purpose.

The thesis statement lays the ground for further analysis, for answering a specific question, asserting an opinion or explaining how and why something works (or has worked/failed to produce an expected result). Think of your thesis statement as a compelling and concise headline that gives the reader a good idea of what the rest of the paper is about and what to expect next. It should be engaging, but not confusing to your audience. Have you ever been extremely disappointed by reading an article or watching a movie because it wasn’t what the headline, magazine cover or a movie trailer promised it to be? To make sure your reader doesn’t feel like that, you want your thesis to be integral to the essay and to all of the evidence that you provide in the following body paragraphs. Quite often, a thesis statement needs a few revisions to acquire more focus and clarity as you add the body paragraphs to your thematic essay.

Body paragraphs 

While the 5-paragraph structure gives you a basic layout to work with, it should have three body paragraphs because the thesis must be supported by at least three significant arguments. However, unless the essay has a required length, you can include more supporting facts or examples. There may be more body paragraphs than just three, depending on the details of the assignment or the points you are required to address, but keep in mind that your essay should be concise and devoid of wordiness. Usually, the essay writer should focus on one point or sub-topic per paragraph, but depending on the complexity of the topic, the quantity of paragraphs for validating each claim or explaining your reasoning may vary. 

You can think of body paragraphs as building blocks that include expert quotes or specific examples to add weight to them, as well as to your arguments. This is the ‘meat of your essay’ as long as you make sure that you explain the logic behind each quotation or evidence supporting your claim, and that it is in sync with your thesis statement. Such connections are essential as they tie not only the evidence and arguments, but an entire essay together. 

The conclusion is not simply a reiterated thesis, but a reinforced one. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it should not introduce any new facts not discussed in the body of a thematic essay. The conclusion has to summarize the information presented in the essay, briefly going over the main ideas or claims and explaining how they influence your thesis. Finally, it should wrap up your essay in the most meaningful way, emphasizing the significance and relevance of your topic.

Thematic Essay Examples

Check the examples of thematic essays to use as writing models:

https://www.template.net/business/essay/five-paragraph-essay-template/

Thematic essay topics

To sum up, reading some properly structured thematic essay examples may be the most helpful tip for understanding what your essay should look like, and how to organize your thoughts into a logical sequence. Besides, a list of the most commonly used thematic essay topics is a frequent search query along with ‘thematic essay examples’, as it helps students to get an idea of what to expect at exams.

US History Thematic Essay

In this essay, there will be fewer words that address the reader. The purpose of this writing is to present a balanced analysis of a topic based on facts, explaining a topic in a logical and straightforward manner.

US History thematic essay example topics:

• Major movements in U.S. history
• Major advances in U.S. history
• Significant government reforms
• U.S. Presidents and their major decisions 
• U.S. wars and conflicts

Global Regents Thematic Essay 

These topics are likely to feature broad concepts, but they usually include tasks and suggestions that are more specific. In your essay, you are supposed to address this detailed task and the issues, concepts or questions it prompts you to explain or interpret. Using examples from your course of global history or geography is also required in your thematic essay. 

Global Regents thematic essay example topics:

• Impact of colonizations on world history
• Migrations of people and their effects
• Major characteristics of world civilizations
• Cultures and their contributions
• Economic Systems
• Political Systems
• The turning points in history (revolutions, conflicts, wars)
• Revolutions and clashing of ideas
• Revolutions and new discoveries
• Scientific development
• Technological progress
• Human rights: impactful leaders and their ideas
• Human rights violations

Belief Systems Thematic Essay

A belief system is a way a group or an individual regards religious or philosophical principles. The beliefs that have formed major religions or a mainstay of a civilization may be similar or different, but each belief system has influenced the lives of its followers as well as the history, culture, politics, or economy of a specific nation or country.

Belief Systems thematic essay example topics:

• How belief systems influenced ancient civilizations?
• How did a belief form a religion?
• Cultures as systems of interconnections between humans
• The role of religion in Ancient Roman society
• The three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam
• Judaism: the first monotheistic religion
• The personal belief system and life values
• Compare Christianity to another religion. Are there more similarities or differences?
• Compare two struggles for religious freedom in different countries and time periods
• What makes all struggles for religious freedom similar?

The bottom line

While students often have difficulties writing thematic essays, these are not the most complicated tasks to complete within a certain course or subject. They just require making a detailed examination of the topic using relevant facts, examples or other evidence that you should be able to find in order to make your arguments more solid, and to show that you have gained a thorough understanding of the topic. However, you mustn’t just summarize the well-known facts or what you have learned from a course or book. In a thematic essay, you are supposed to identify and explain or compare issues, causes, patterns, outcomes, and connections between facts or events as well as their consequences or influences.

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How to Write a Thematic Analysis Essay Correctly: Expert Advice

So, a thematic analysis essay. This kind of essay might be not the most complicated one. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to be confident and peaceful. You aren’t a professional writer and being worried is a normal human condition. And this is normal. People are different.

There are people that don’t like writing, you know. There are people that like writing but don’t have much experience in doing that. As well, some people want to learn how to write. That’s why, we have selected the most useful tips, which will be extremely helpful if you decide to write your essay on your own. So, just check how to do it, how to write a thematic analysis essay, and do it!

What Is a Thematic Analysis Essay: Clear Definition

But first of all, let us check exactly what kind of paper you should write. So, the definition you can guess already from the title: a thematic essay is an essay about some themes or concepts. When you are working on this kind of essay, you should consider the following moments:

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• All your attention should be focused on ideas and themes that you should analyze.
• Provide not only your analyses but the reference to external sources, because the reader might want to check them.
• Every aspect of the task should be taken into consideration, if you are writing an analysis, just consider it.
• Provide enough details, but be specific; deviations aren’t good at this kind of paper, but being too short is not helpful either.

Thematic Analysis Essay Structure Follows the Standard

The thematic analysis essay structure is the same as for any other kind of essay. Make sure you follow the standard and don’t invent anything new. So, the general structure of a thematic analysis essay is the following:

• An introduction, where you introduce the theme and explain its importance.
• The main part, where you provide detailed information and all the opinions that you consider relevant.
• A conclusion, where you actually make a conclusion for your analysis, for all your work.

How to Start a Thematic Analysis Essay: Strong Introduction

Here, introduce your theme or concept. Make it as strong as possible — the impression should be unforgettable! Only then, your reader might consider reading it till the end just out of interest and give you a good grade. So, if you are thinking about how to start a thematic analysis essay efficiently, start it with a question or a personal story. Then, the introduction will rock! The thematic analysis essay introduction is one of the most important parts of your paper.

The Main Part

In the main part, analyze the given themes. Pay attention to all aspects of your theme or concept. Provide not only your opinions but the ideas and opinions of experts or even just some other people who have been working with the same topic.

How to End a Thematic Analysis Essay Impressively

Now, it is time to check how to end a thematic analysis essay. The rules are like everywhere, like any other conclusion. You should make the final statement, the conclusions based on your analysis. Well, your conclusion should be impressive, as well. You know, a weak conclusion of a thematic analysis essay can spoil the impression from the entire work, and that is definitely not what you are looking for.

Thematic Analysis Essay Outline Processing

The thematic analysis essay outline doesn’t differ much from a standard essay outline. The same parts, the same structure. Like in the case with any other essay, you should be precise, logical, and try to make all parts of your essay as strong and impressive as you can.

However, there are some writing tips that you shouldn’t ignore. For this kind of essay, the preparation process is essential. You cannot analyze a theme if you don’t know what experts think about it. How can you compare ideas and views, if you don’t know them?

So prepare yourself to the writing process very carefully. Select the most reliable sources. If they are recommended for schools and universities, it is perfect. But even if not, just make sure they provide reliable information. In most cases, they should be published in reputable journals or websites.

When you are writing a theme analysis essay, it is important to be very attentive to the smallest detail. That’s why it is an analysis essay, you know. Other than that, the essay is just like any different kind of paper. You give your opinions, discuss them, compare them with the opinions of other people and so on.

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• Knowledge Base
• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

Literary analysis means closely studying a text, interpreting its meanings, and exploring why the author made certain choices. It can be applied to novels, short stories, plays, poems, or any other form of literary writing.

A literary analysis essay is not a rhetorical analysis , nor is it just a summary of the plot or a book review. Instead, it is a type of argumentative essay where you need to analyze elements such as the language, perspective, and structure of the text, and explain how the author uses literary devices to create effects and convey ideas.

Before beginning a literary analysis essay, it’s essential to carefully read the text and c ome up with a thesis statement to keep your essay focused. As you write, follow the standard structure of an academic essay :

• An introduction that tells the reader what your essay will focus on.
• A main body, divided into paragraphs , that builds an argument using evidence from the text.
• A conclusion that clearly states the main point that you have shown with your analysis.

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Table of contents

Step 1: reading the text and identifying literary devices, step 2: coming up with a thesis, step 3: writing a title and introduction, step 4: writing the body of the essay, step 5: writing a conclusion, other interesting articles.

The first step is to carefully read the text(s) and take initial notes. As you read, pay attention to the things that are most intriguing, surprising, or even confusing in the writing—these are things you can dig into in your analysis.

Your goal in literary analysis is not simply to explain the events described in the text, but to analyze the writing itself and discuss how the text works on a deeper level. Primarily, you’re looking out for literary devices —textual elements that writers use to convey meaning and create effects. If you’re comparing and contrasting multiple texts, you can also look for connections between different texts.

To get started with your analysis, there are several key areas that you can focus on. As you analyze each aspect of the text, try to think about how they all relate to each other. You can use highlights or notes to keep track of important passages and quotes.

Language choices

Consider what style of language the author uses. Are the sentences short and simple or more complex and poetic?

What word choices stand out as interesting or unusual? Are words used figuratively to mean something other than their literal definition? Figurative language includes things like metaphor (e.g. “her eyes were oceans”) and simile (e.g. “her eyes were like oceans”).

Also keep an eye out for imagery in the text—recurring images that create a certain atmosphere or symbolize something important. Remember that language is used in literary texts to say more than it means on the surface.

Narrative voice

Ask yourself:

• Who is telling the story?
• How are they telling it?

Is it a first-person narrator (“I”) who is personally involved in the story, or a third-person narrator who tells us about the characters from a distance?

Consider the narrator’s perspective . Is the narrator omniscient (where they know everything about all the characters and events), or do they only have partial knowledge? Are they an unreliable narrator who we are not supposed to take at face value? Authors often hint that their narrator might be giving us a distorted or dishonest version of events.

The tone of the text is also worth considering. Is the story intended to be comic, tragic, or something else? Are usually serious topics treated as funny, or vice versa ? Is the story realistic or fantastical (or somewhere in between)?

Consider how the text is structured, and how the structure relates to the story being told.

• Novels are often divided into chapters and parts.
• Poems are divided into lines, stanzas, and sometime cantos.
• Plays are divided into scenes and acts.

Think about why the author chose to divide the different parts of the text in the way they did.

There are also less formal structural elements to take into account. Does the story unfold in chronological order, or does it jump back and forth in time? Does it begin in medias res —in the middle of the action? Does the plot advance towards a clearly defined climax?

With poetry, consider how the rhyme and meter shape your understanding of the text and your impression of the tone. Try reading the poem aloud to get a sense of this.

In a play, you might consider how relationships between characters are built up through different scenes, and how the setting relates to the action. Watch out for  dramatic irony , where the audience knows some detail that the characters don’t, creating a double meaning in their words, thoughts, or actions.

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Your thesis in a literary analysis essay is the point you want to make about the text. It’s the core argument that gives your essay direction and prevents it from just being a collection of random observations about a text.

If you’re given a prompt for your essay, your thesis must answer or relate to the prompt. For example:

Essay question example

Is Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” a religious parable?

Your thesis statement should be an answer to this question—not a simple yes or no, but a statement of why this is or isn’t the case:

Thesis statement example

Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” is not a religious parable, but a story about bureaucratic alienation.

Sometimes you’ll be given freedom to choose your own topic; in this case, you’ll have to come up with an original thesis. Consider what stood out to you in the text; ask yourself questions about the elements that interested you, and consider how you might answer them.

Your thesis should be something arguable—that is, something that you think is true about the text, but which is not a simple matter of fact. It must be complex enough to develop through evidence and arguments across the course of your essay.

Say you’re analyzing the novel Frankenstein . You could start by asking yourself:

Your initial answer might be a surface-level description:

The character Frankenstein is portrayed negatively in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

However, this statement is too simple to be an interesting thesis. After reading the text and analyzing its narrative voice and structure, you can develop the answer into a more nuanced and arguable thesis statement:

Mary Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

Remember that you can revise your thesis statement throughout the writing process , so it doesn’t need to be perfectly formulated at this stage. The aim is to keep you focused as you analyze the text.

Finding textual evidence

To support your thesis statement, your essay will build an argument using textual evidence —specific parts of the text that demonstrate your point. This evidence is quoted and analyzed throughout your essay to explain your argument to the reader.

It can be useful to comb through the text in search of relevant quotations before you start writing. You might not end up using everything you find, and you may have to return to the text for more evidence as you write, but collecting textual evidence from the beginning will help you to structure your arguments and assess whether they’re convincing.

To start your literary analysis paper, you’ll need two things: a good title, and an introduction.

Your title should clearly indicate what your analysis will focus on. It usually contains the name of the author and text(s) you’re analyzing. Keep it as concise and engaging as possible.

A common approach to the title is to use a relevant quote from the text, followed by a colon and then the rest of your title.

If you struggle to come up with a good title at first, don’t worry—this will be easier once you’ve begun writing the essay and have a better sense of your arguments.

“Fearful symmetry” : The violence of creation in William Blake’s “The Tyger”

The introduction

The essay introduction provides a quick overview of where your argument is going. It should include your thesis statement and a summary of the essay’s structure.

A typical structure for an introduction is to begin with a general statement about the text and author, using this to lead into your thesis statement. You might refer to a commonly held idea about the text and show how your thesis will contradict it, or zoom in on a particular device you intend to focus on.

Then you can end with a brief indication of what’s coming up in the main body of the essay. This is called signposting. It will be more elaborate in longer essays, but in a short five-paragraph essay structure, it shouldn’t be more than one sentence.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

Some students prefer to write the introduction later in the process, and it’s not a bad idea. After all, you’ll have a clearer idea of the overall shape of your arguments once you’ve begun writing them!

If you do write the introduction first, you should still return to it later to make sure it lines up with what you ended up writing, and edit as necessary.

The body of your essay is everything between the introduction and conclusion. It contains your arguments and the textual evidence that supports them.

Paragraph structure

A typical structure for a high school literary analysis essay consists of five paragraphs : the three paragraphs of the body, plus the introduction and conclusion.

Each paragraph in the main body should focus on one topic. In the five-paragraph model, try to divide your argument into three main areas of analysis, all linked to your thesis. Don’t try to include everything you can think of to say about the text—only analysis that drives your argument.

In longer essays, the same principle applies on a broader scale. For example, you might have two or three sections in your main body, each with multiple paragraphs. Within these sections, you still want to begin new paragraphs at logical moments—a turn in the argument or the introduction of a new idea.

Robert’s first encounter with Gil-Martin suggests something of his sinister power. Robert feels “a sort of invisible power that drew me towards him.” He identifies the moment of their meeting as “the beginning of a series of adventures which has puzzled myself, and will puzzle the world when I am no more in it” (p. 89). Gil-Martin’s “invisible power” seems to be at work even at this distance from the moment described; before continuing the story, Robert feels compelled to anticipate at length what readers will make of his narrative after his approaching death. With this interjection, Hogg emphasizes the fatal influence Gil-Martin exercises from his first appearance.

Topic sentences

To keep your points focused, it’s important to use a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence allows a reader to see at a glance what the paragraph is about. It can introduce a new line of argument and connect or contrast it with the previous paragraph. Transition words like “however” or “moreover” are useful for creating smooth transitions:

… The story’s focus, therefore, is not upon the divine revelation that may be waiting beyond the door, but upon the mundane process of aging undergone by the man as he waits.

Nevertheless, the “radiance” that appears to stream from the door is typically treated as religious symbolism.

This topic sentence signals that the paragraph will address the question of religious symbolism, while the linking word “nevertheless” points out a contrast with the previous paragraph’s conclusion.

Using textual evidence

A key part of literary analysis is backing up your arguments with relevant evidence from the text. This involves introducing quotes from the text and explaining their significance to your point.

It’s important to contextualize quotes and explain why you’re using them; they should be properly introduced and analyzed, not treated as self-explanatory:

It isn’t always necessary to use a quote. Quoting is useful when you’re discussing the author’s language, but sometimes you’ll have to refer to plot points or structural elements that can’t be captured in a short quote.

In these cases, it’s more appropriate to paraphrase or summarize parts of the text—that is, to describe the relevant part in your own words:

The conclusion of your analysis shouldn’t introduce any new quotations or arguments. Instead, it’s about wrapping up the essay. Here, you summarize your key points and try to emphasize their significance to the reader.

A good way to approach this is to briefly summarize your key arguments, and then stress the conclusion they’ve led you to, highlighting the new perspective your thesis provides on the text as a whole:

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By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

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