Reflexive thematic analysis

This chapter describes reflexive thematic analysis, a method of qualitative data analysis developed by Virginia Braun, Victoria Clarke and their colleagues. It positions the method in relation to a number of other ‘theming’ approaches to analysis, highlighting what makes it distinct. Reflexive thematic analysis places emphasis on the reflexivity of the researcher, theoretical independence/flexibility (without being atheoretical), and the guiding presence of the research question. We use qualitative survey data from an ongoing project with LGBTQ+ tertiary students to illustrate the six recursive and iterative phases of analysis, offering practical guidance in the construction of themes. We identify how ever-increasing engagement with the data through the lens of a researcher’s theoretical perspective ensures rigour and quality in analysis. We also emphasise the problems with theming too early, which can lead to simplistic categories, and contrast this with the rigorous prototyping, testing and refining processes that lead to meaningful, conceptually driven themes.