Strategic Management Thought

Thematic Analysis and Thematic Networks: A Simple and Efficient Method for Exploring Patterns Embedded in Qualitative Data Municipalities)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Management, Tehran University, Tehran

2 Professor of Management, Azad University, Tehran

3 Ph.D. Student of Management, Tehran University, Tehran

Abstract

Thematic analysis is one of the most appropriate analytical techniques in qualitative research, which is widely used, but has rarely been introduced. Thematic analysis can be used effectively to identify patterns in qualitative data. Template analysis and thematic networks are analysis tools that are commonly used in thematic analysis. Template analysis provides a list of themes in a hierarchical table. Thematic networks are web-like illustrations that summarize the relationship between themes.
This paper aims to introduce the thematic analysis and related techniques briefly and in a practical way. First, the thematic analysis position in qualitative research is addressed. Then some concepts, techniques and important decisions in the thematic analysis are briefly described. By synthesizing different methods of thematic analysis, a step by step process for implementing this method is introduced. Also, some potential pitfalls in conducting thematic analysis are considered. Finally, the paper offers some validity and reliability criteria for thematic analysis and outlines the disadvantages and advantages of it and provides some suggestions for further research. In addition, in order to have a better understanding of the method, some parts of the paper offer examples of a study that has been conducted with this method and with computer aided qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). jointly.

Keywords

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Strategic Management Thought
Volume 5, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
October 2011
Pages 151-198
  • Receive Date: 02 October 2011
  • Revise Date: 23 September 2011
  • Accept Date: 03 December 2011