Expanding Approaches to Thematic Analysis

While no one ever said it had to be, thematic analysis is invariably described as a step-by-step process that involves coding. Yet qualitative data analysis is more than a technical procedure—it invokes imagination and inspiration—intuitional engagements that are as vital to the data analysis process as they are difficult to describe. This edited book begins with two premises: (1) there is more than one way to theme data, and (2) qualitative researchers do not have to code to get to themes. Each chapter introduces readers to a different approach to thematic analysis, explores that approach’s theoretical and disciplinary roots, and illustrates how that approach can be used to generate themes. Approaches include annotating, memoing, storying, writing, composing poems, artmaking, meditating, and more, expanding conceptualizations of what themes and thematic analysis can be. The book also includes ‘methodologies in action’: helpful examples of creative theming from doctoral students and early career scholars.