Introduction

Thematic analysis is one of the most widespread and flexible methods of data analysis in qualitative research. It is a process that enables the researcher to identify, describe, and highlight patterns of meaning, the so-called “themes,” which emerge from interviews, observations, or other qualitative data. This method is considered ideal for both novice and experienced researchers, as it combines ease of application with analytical depth. At the same time, thematic analysis may be based either on a deductive or on an inductive methodological approach, allowing its adaptation to different research designs and scientific contexts.

Purpose of Thematic Analysis

The main purpose of thematic analysis is to create a systematic record of codings and themes that emerge from the data. Through this process, the researcher attempts to capture the meanings of participants’ experiences and perceptions in order to provide answers to the research questions. However, a methodological issue arises regarding the extent to which the identified common themes truly represent a collective experience or whether they result from the merging of different individual expressions, which could lead to misinterpretation or oversimplification.

Stages of Thematic Analysis

Thematic analysis unfolds through several stages. The process begins with transcription, that is, the conversion of audio- or video-recorded interviews into written text. Transcription follows specific notational rules to accurately capture both verbal and paralinguistic aspects of communication.

The next stage involves familiarization with the data and identification of extracts relevant to the research questions. The researcher carefully studies the transcripts, becomes immersed in the material, and collects the segments that provide information related to each research question, organizing them into a preliminary structure.

This is followed by coding, where conceptual labels—called codes—are assigned to the data. Codes may be descriptive, recording the explicit content, or interpretative, capturing underlying meaning. Coding is a crucial step because it brings order and structure to the data and lays the groundwork for the development of themes.

The subsequent stage is the transition from codes to themes. Themes represent broader and more abstract categories derived from the grouping and synthesis of codes. They are autonomous concepts that recur within the material and serve as central axes for interpreting the research questions.

Finally, the process culminates in the reporting of findings. At this stage, each theme is presented separately, its content is analyzed, and it is supported by representative excerpts from the interviews or observations. This ensures that the research results are comprehensible and credible, as they remain directly connected to the primary data.

Validity Check

Thematic analysis requires procedures for ensuring validity in order to strengthen the reliability of the findings. One method is respondent validation, in which participants themselves are asked to confirm the accuracy of the interpretation of their data. Another method is researchers’ validation, where other experts examine the results and evaluate the consistency and credibility of the analysis.

Limitations

Despite its flexibility and usefulness, thematic analysis has certain limitations. It is a particularly time-consuming and demanding process, requiring substantial experience, deep knowledge, and familiarity with qualitative methodology. The risk of misinterpretation or oversimplification is higher when the analysis is conducted by inexperienced researchers. For this reason, thematic analysis is generally recommended to be carried out by individuals with sufficient training and analytical skills.

Conclusions

In conclusion, thematic analysis is a fundamental method in qualitative research, as it provides a reliable and flexible framework for understanding and interpreting participants’ experiences. Despite its challenges and requirements, it allows for the identification of valuable patterns of meaning, contributing significantly to the production of new knowledge. Its value lies in balancing systematic rigor with interpretative freedom, making it an indispensable tool for researchers who wish to delve into the richness of qualitative data and derive conclusions with validity and depth.