Thematic analysis is one of the most widely used analytical methods in qualitative research. In my recent webinar, I walked participants through the fundamentals of Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Reflexive TA), specifically their 2021 book Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide, to demonstrate how Dedoose can be used appropriately within that analytical process and method.

When I talk about thematic analysis, I'm specifically referring to the approach developed by Braun and Clarke, which emphasizes three critical elements:

1. Researcher as instrument: The researcher's subjectivity is not a limitation but rather adds value to the analytical process.

2. Reflexivity: Researchers must continuously reflect on how their own perspectives shape the interpretation of data.

3. Interpretation and theory: Analysis must move beyond simply categorizing data to developing conceptual themes grounded in theory.

The authors emphasize that a “topic summary does not equal a theme." Many researchers make the mistake of simply reporting responses to specific interview questions or categorizing data without the necessary interpretive work. A true theme within Reflexive TA requires your interpretive engagement with the data and connections to broader theoretical frameworks your study is grounded in.

The Six Stages of Thematic Analysis

While the process is iterative rather than linear, Braun and Clarke outline six key stages in thematic analysis:

1. Familiarization: Getting to know your data intimately by reading, reviewing, and organizing it.

2. Coding: Creating and applying codes to excerpts of data.

3. Generating preliminary themes: Reviewing coded excerpts, building code categories, and using memos to develop initial themes.

4. Developing and reviewing themes: Weaving in your interpretations, organizing your codebook, and using visualizations to refine themes.

5. Refining and defining themes: Further interpretation, reviewing memos and code subsets, and selecting key examples.

6. Final write-up: Exporting data and presenting your findings.

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Dedoose offers several features that help support the thematic analysis process:

Familiarization and Data Organization

Familiarization with your data begins during data collection and can continue throughout the process of preparing your data for coding. Ideally, you have been memoing during data collection, reflecting on insights and potential codes, and are also reviewing your data while you format the data (e.g., transcription, anonymization, etc.). When you are ready to transition to Dedoose, upload your data via the "Import Data" button on the home workspace and assess the import quality. I recommend importing one file first to check the formatting before uploading all your data. Dedoose allows you to make minor edits if needed by using the "unlock" icon when viewing a document.

Tip: Use the settings slider icon in the upper right corner of the app to adjust the global font size if you're having trouble reading your data.

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Reviewing and Coding Data

There are multiple ways to build your codebook and code your data:

1. Import an existing codebook: If you already have codes you developed during the familiarization phase, you can import them along with their definition via an Excel spreadsheet, use the import codes button in the action panel.

2. Create codes individually: Click the "add root code" button in the Codebook View or via the addition icon in the codebook panel while you are coding your data and provide a name and description for each new code.

3. Quick-Code Widget: As you analyze your data and highlight text, press the space bar to bring up the quick-code widget, which allows you to apply existing codes or create new ones on the fly.

When coding in Dedoose, keep in mind these best practices and prompt yourself to think through how your decisions are connected to your research purpose and focus:

• Excerpt length: Ensure your excerpts large enough to include the necessary context so they can stand alone when viewed outside the full document via data visualizations or other areas of the app.

• Memo on your excerpts: One of the most powerful features for theme development is the ability to create and link memos to your excerpts. Your memos can also be organized into groups such as "Analytical Memos" and "Reflexive Memos," helping you scaffold your analysis and eventual write-up.

• Apply multiple codes to a single excerpt: Rather than creating overlapping excerpts, apply all relevant codes to one excerpt. This maximizes the co-occurrence features which is a rich source of information for developing larger themes in your study.

• Include descriptions for all codes: Even during initial coding, make sure to provide at least preliminary descriptions for every code.

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Generating and Developing Themes

As you begin to see patterns in your data, Dedoose makes it easy to reorganize your codebook through:

1. Create code hierarchies: Drag and drop codes to nest them as subcodes, or use the "add child code" option via the Codebook view to create new subcodes that are automatically nested underneath another code of your choice.

2. Merge related codes: If you discover that two or more codes are addressing the same concept, use the merge function to combine them.

3. Review coded excerpts: Click the excerpt icon next to any code (or the ‘Excerpt Count’ number in the Codebook View) to view all data segments coded with that code. You can also continue coding from this view, cycling through to refine and add more nuance to your excerpts.  

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Visualizing and Refining Themes

Dedoose offers powerful visualization tools that help refine your analysis and spark generative discussions for theme development. The charts are, of course, quantifying your qualitative coding – be careful to use these charts as reflective, interpretative tools rather than quantitative measures that dictate your theme development in a positivist manner.  

1. Code Co-occurrence Chart: This heatmap shows where two codes overlap on the same excerpts, helping identify relationships between concepts and potential themes.

2. Packed Code Cloud: Visualizes code frequency, with options to include subcode counts for a more thematic view of your code applications.

3. Code Application Chart: Shows how codes are distributed across your data sources, helping ensure balanced representation in your findings write-up and also for reflecting on differences between participants or data sources.

4. Code x Descriptor Charts: If you've added descriptors (demographic or categorical data) to your study, these charts let you disaggregate your coding, code categories, and eventual themes by these characteristics and are great at facilitating a more intersectional analysis.

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Finalizing Themes & Communicating Findings  

When you're ready to write up your findings, Dedoose allows you to export excerpts in various formats. You can select specific metadata to include (such as certain codes or descriptor information) and choose between Excel or Word format. This makes it easy to incorporate quotes and evidence into your final write-up or visual presentations. Remember that there is tremendous value in stepping away from technology and returning to (dare I say) pen and paper to map your final interpretative themes. Several codes used in Dedoose may be included in several different themes. It can be helpful to remove yourself from Dedoose and map which codes could correspond to each theme, rather than forcing your themes into your codebook. The distinction between codes and themes is important to remember when conducting thematic analysis.  

The greatest value of this approach lies not just in organizing and systematically analyzing your data, but in your interpretive work as a researcher. The themes you develop should go beyond summarizing topics to offer conceptual insights grounded in theoretical understanding. Whether you're working on a dissertation, research article, or evaluation project, mastering thematic analysis with Dedoose can help you transform your qualitative data into compelling, theoretically rich findings.

If you're interested in learning more about using Dedoose for qualitative and mixed methods research, check out upcoming workshops and training opportunities at www.immrglobal.org.

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Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2023). Toward good practice in thematic analysis: Avoiding common problems and be (com)ing a knowing researcher. International journal of transgender health, 24(1), 1-6.