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Using thematic analysis in psychology 89

themes will depend on the data, but in the lost (Bryman, 2001); and (c) remember that
latter, you might approach the data with you can code individual extracts of data in
specific questions in mind that you wish to as many different ‘themes’ as they fit into /
code around. It will also depend on whether so an extract may be uncoded, coded once,
you are aiming to code the content of the or coded many times, as relevant. Note that
entire data set, or whether you are coding to no data set is without contradiction, and a
identify particular (and possibly limited) satisfactory thematic ‘map’ that you will
features of the data set. Coding can be eventually produce / an overall conceptua-
performed either manually or through a lization of the data patterns, and relation-
9
software programme (see, eg, Kelle, 2004; ships between them / does not have to
Seale, 2000, for discussion of software smooth out or ignore the tensions and
programmes). inconsistencies within and across data
Work systematically through the entire items. It is important to retain accounts
data set, giving full and equal attention to that depart from the dominant story in the
each data item, and identify interesting analysis, so do not ignore these in your
aspects in the data items that may form coding.
the basis of repeated patterns (themes)
across the data set. There are a number of Phase 3: searching for themes
Phase 3 begins when all data have been
ways of actually coding extracts. If coding initially coded and collated, and you have a
manually, you can code your data by writ- long list of the different codes that you have
ing notes on the texts you are analysing, identified across the data set. This phase,
by using highlighters or coloured pens to which re-focuses the analysis at the broader
indicate potential patterns, or by using level of themes, rather than codes, involves
‘post-it’ notes to identify segments of data. sorting the different codes into potential
You may initially identify the codes, and themes, and collating all the relevant coded
then match them with data extracts that data extracts within the identified themes.
demonstrate that code, but it is important in Essentially, you are starting to analyse your
this phase to ensure that all actual data codes and consider how different codes
extracts are coded, and then collated to- may combine to form an overarching theme.
gether within each code. This may involve It may be helpful at this phase to use visual
copying extracts of data from individual representations to help you sort the differ-
transcripts or photocopying extracts of ent codes into themes. You might use tables,
printed data, and collating each code to- or mind-maps, or write the name each code
gether in separate computer files or using (and a brief description) on a separate piece
file cards. If using computer software, you of paper and play around with organizing
code by tagging and naming selections of them into theme-piles. A thematic map of
text within each data item. this early stage can be seen in Figure 2 (the
Key advice for this phase is: (a) code for as examples in Figures 2 /4 come from the
many potential themes/patterns as possible analysis presented in Braun and Wilkinson,
(time permitting) / you never know what 2003 of women’s talk about the vagina).
might be interesting later; (b) code extracts This is when you start thinking about the
of data inclusively / ie, keep a little of the relationship between codes, between
surrounding data if relevant, a common themes, and between different levels of
criticism of coding is that the context is themes (eg, main overarching themes and