Thematic analysis is a general method for qualitative analysis of transcripts or other

similar text data sources. It is applicable in all approaches to qualitative methodology. In

general, thematic analysis has three “levels,” which are analyzed sequentially. This

description gives a step-by-step approach to thematic analysis. (Other approach-specific

variations on thematic analysis can be found in the literatures of ethnography, case study,

grounded theory, phenomenology, and heuristic phenomenology.)

1. Step One: Prepare data and transcript

1.1. Transcribe the data accurately. Preserve master copy separately so that it is not

worked on or altered from normal margins, format, etc. You will keep this master

copy of your data until you destroy all data at end of seven year period.

1.2. Prepare two or three

working

copies: Double or triple spacing, 3-4 spaces after

period, wide margins, paragraphs numbered. Keep the working data copies until

dissertation is approved, in case revisions or questions are suggested.

1.3. Read the entire master transcript for meaning and sense.

1.4. Re-read the entire transcript at least once or more. Most workers read until

confident of overall meaning of the text.

2. Step Two: Identify Meaning Units

2.1. Prepare the transcript

2.2. Divide the original text into meaning units – single thought units, using a simple

method (e.g., underlining alternate meaning units, italicizing, etc. Avoid color

coding.). A meaning unit is a string of text that expresses a single coherent

thought, up to the point at which the coherent thought changes. Often this point is

the end of a sentence, but sometimes is mid-sentence.

2.3. Numerate or otherwise code each meaning unit for later tracking and

organization.

2.4.

Check your work:

Review each and every meaning unit identified to ensure it is a

change of subject from the previous meaning unit.

3. Step Three: Group patterned meaning units

3.1. Identify recurring meaning units.

3.2. Group recurring meaning units together.

3.3.

Check your work:

Return to master transcript and re-read for sense. Review your

meaning units and revise as needed.

4. Step Four: Generate Theme statements

4.1. For each group of meaning units, identify or generate a word or brief phrase

stating the meaning shared in all instances of the meaning units. These

words/phrases are basic

themes.

4.2.

Check your work

I: Re-read master transcript with themes in mind to ensure

accuracy. Revise any theme word or phrase to fit the overall meaning of the

original meaning units.

4.3.

II: Re-read the meaning units in their groups to ensure the

5.

Step Five: Create tables or matrices of themes and meaning units (instances of

themes)

5.1. For each theme, identify all the meaning units which are examples of the theme.

5.2. Create a Table or Matrix for each theme, showing all the related meaning units

which exemplify the theme.

5.3.

Check your work: evaluate EACH meaning unit to ensure that the theme

adequately and accurately captures its meaning.

6. Step Six: Write out a Summary of the themes

6.1. Write a brief narrative summarizing the main issues being investigated.

6.2. Write an introductory sentence or brief paragraph to provide context to the theme

statements.

6.3. Write one or two (at most) declarative sentences to describe each theme.

6.4.

Check your work:

6.4.1. Compare each theme statement with the theme words or phrases generated

in Step Four to ensure that the theme statement adequately and accurately

expresses their original meanings.

6.4.2. Compare each theme statement with all instances (meaning units) in the

Step Five matrices to ensure that the theme statement adequately and

accurately expresses their meanings.