Applied Thematic Analysis

by Greg S. Guest, Kathleen M. Macqueen, Emily E. Namey

After collecting qualitative data from in-depth interviews, focus groups, or field observations, students and researchers often struggle to make sense of them. This step-by-step guide draws on the authors′ many years of experience carrying out qualitative research and conducting workshops on the subject. Their book describes how to analyze qualitative data in a systematic and rigorous way. The authors introduce and outline applied thematic analysis , an inductive approach that draws on established and innovative theme-based techniques suited to the applied research context. Chapters follow the sequence of activities in the analysis process and also include discussions of mixed methods, choosing the most appropriate software, and how to write up and present the results.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 2011

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book several years ago (in a previous job) at the advice of a colleague but put it aside on starting my current job since I was not immediately working on qualitative research. I now have some quantitative projects ramping up in my current job, so I picked it back up. I found it easy to refresh my memory on the half of the book I read earlier, and in general the authors give a very balanced account of the major approaches to and steps in applied thematic analysis. The explanations of some areas are a bit shallower than ill need for my work, but that’s expected for a general/introductory text, and they provide thorough reference sections. I would definitely have appreciated more examples outside of the health research field (my prior job was in health research, but my current job is not, and while there are a few references to non-health papers or particular research considerations, these were a bit thin. I understand that to an extent, given that the authors themselves do mostly health research, but given that the book itself is not framed as being focused on health research, I think more discussion of other areas would definitely have been helpful.

[Huda Fel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have to admit i had FUN reading this book. believe it or not!

[Dylan Groves · Rating 3 out of 5]

they want it to sound rigorous so badly....

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical. You might not agree with the epistemology and the whole design approach but you'll definitely find interesting ideas and examples about all aspects of a thematic analysis process.