Thematic Analysis in Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Novice Researchers

Authors

  • Jamnean Joungtrakul Distinguished Professor Dr. Faculty of Liberal Arts, North Bangkok University
  • Orapin Bunsin Assistant Professor Dr. Faculty of Management Science Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University
  • Jarukanya Udanont Assistant Professor Dr. Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science Nakhon Phanom University
  • Laddawan Someran Assistant Professor Dr. Faculty of Business Administration and Information Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi

Keywords:

Qualitative Research, Thematic Analysis, Content Analysis, Conceptual Framework, Conceptual Model

Abstract

Thematic analysis (TA) as a method of data analysis in qualitative research has been increasingly gaining its popularity during the past decades. TA has it owns specific process and steps of analysis that qualitative researchers could apply in conducting various types of qualitative research projects. However, when comparing with content analysis (CA), TA and CA have many similarities and differences. This sometimes caused confusion to researchers especially the novice researchers and those who have shifted from their original paradigm to become qualitative researchers. This academic article aimed to present the concepts and guidelines in conducting TA in qualitative research for novice researchers and those who have recently shifted their paradigm to become qualitative researchers to be able to apply TA in their qualitative research projects properly. A non-systematic literature review method was employed in this study. Related literature was reviewed and data extraction was performed and used as a basis for composing this article. The scope of this study comprised: (1) Introduction to introduce the background and significance of the study plus method and scope of the study; (2) Literature review comprised literature map, the concepts of TA, the major components of TA, the process and step by step in conducting TA and challenges in conducting TA; (3) Summary and conclusions; (4) New findings from the study and (5) Recommendations. It was founded that the process of TA comprised six major steps: (1) Selection of Quotations; (2) Keywords; (3) Coding; 4) Themes; (5) Conceptualization and (6) Development of Conceptual Model. Since TA and CA have both similarities and differences. Therefore, researchers should study the concepts and processes of TA thoroughly prior to making decision to choose TA as a method of data analysis in their qualitative research projects.

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Published

2024-12-27

How to Cite

Joungtrakul, J., Bunsin, O., Udanont, J., & Someran, L. (2024). Thematic Analysis in Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Novice Researchers. PAAT Journal, 6(2), 15–29. retrieved from https://so10.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/paatj/article/view/1177

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Special Article