Thematic Analysis: Inductive vs Theoretical

Thematic Analysis: Inductive vs Theoretical

T hematic analysis is a flexible yet rigorous method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data. To produce a high-quality analysis, researchers must make several explicit decisions regarding their approach to the data and the underlying theories of meaning. 1. Inductive vs. Theoretical Thematic Analysis Themes or patterns within data can be identified in one of two primary ways: in an inductive or "bottom up" way, or in a theoretical or deductive or "top down" way. Inductive Approach ("Bottom Up") An inductive approach means the themes identified are strongly linked to the data themselves (Patton, 1990). In this approach, if the data have been collected specifically for the research (e.g., via interview or focus group) the themes identified may bear little relationship to the specific question that was asked of the participants. They would also not be driven by the researcher’s theoretical interest in the area or topic. Data-Driven…