The What and How of Essential Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Gareth Terry and Nikki Hayfield's book, Essentials of Thematic Analysis, introduces readers to reflexive thematic analysis, a method for analyzing interview and focus group transcripts, qualitative survey responses, and other qualitative data. This method is based on the understanding that we all exist in a context from which we can see and speak. In this way, researchers produce knowledge that represents situated truths and allow them to understand others’ perspectives on a given topic. The book shows how to construct a “positioned reality of the situation” from qualitative data. According to the authors, this method is not a methodology but rather a method; that is, a theoretical framework. They emphasize adaptability and subjectivity and go beyond data summaries to understand underlying structures. This method requires frequent data exploration and re-evaluation. It can be studied by both novices and experts. The method is illustrated with notes, illustration, and examples. This book provides a straightforward, concise, and comprehensive description of the authors’ approach, including its methodological rigor, advantages, and limitations.