Overview and Procedure of Thematic Analysis Focusing on Reflexive Thematic Analysis by Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke

Abstract

Thematic analysis is an often used qualitative research method, yet it is rarely utilized or acknowledged in Japan. This study provides an overview and procedure of reflexive thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke, which is widely used internationally. Braun and Clarke classify thematic analysis into three types, one of which refers to reflexive thematic analysis. Reflexive thematic analysis is utilized for systematically identifying, organizing, and offering insight into patterns of meaning (themes) across a data set. The analytic procedure used in reflexive thematic analysis consists of six phases and provides a checklist of criteria. Although such analysis is expected to be modified in the future, it remains useful in elaborating qualitative research in nursing.