A1 Journal article (refereed)
A realist approach to thematic analysis : making sense of qualitative data through experiential, inferential and dispositional themes (2021)
Wiltshire, G., & Ronkainen, N. (2021). A realist approach to thematic analysis : making sense of qualitative data through experiential, inferential and dispositional themes. Journal of Critical Realism, 20(2), 159-180. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767430.2021.1894909
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Wiltshire, Gareth; Ronkainen, Noora
Journal or series: Journal of Critical Realism
ISSN: 1476-7430
eISSN: 1572-5138
Publication year: 2021
Publication date: 19/03/2021
Volume: 20
Issue number: 2
Pages range: 159-180
Publisher: Routledge, Taylor & Francis
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14767430.2021.1894909
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Abstract
Thematic analysis (TA) is the most widely used method for analysing qualitative data. Recent debates, highlighting the binary distinctions between reflexive TA grounded within the qualitative paradigm and codebook TA with neo-positivist orientations, have emphasized the existence of numerous tensions that researchers must navigate to produce coherent and rigorous research. This article attempts to resolve some of these tensions through developing an approach to TA underpinned by realist philosophy of science. Focusing on interview data, we propose the use of three types of themes (experiential, inferential and dispositional) and the use of corresponding validity indicators (empirical adequacy, ontological plausibility and explanatory power). Using an illustrative example, we outline the conceptual foundations of a realist approach to TA and present recommendations for conducting it in practice. This approach, we claim, reconciles several existing binaries between distinctive types of TA by incorporating the contributions of both for the development of different types of themes.
Keywords: philosophy of science; paradigms; development (active); realism (philosophy); research; research methods; qualitative research; focused interviews; planning and design; analysis; evaluation
Free keywords: realist analysis; critical realism; paradigms; small q / big Q qualitative; data analysis; validity; study design; research quality; interdisciplinary research; methodology
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1