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.

摘要

主题分析 (TA) 是分析定性数据最广泛使用的方法。最近的辩论，强调了基于定性范式的自反 TA和码本 TA之间的二元区别具有新实证主义取向的研究者强调，存在许多紧张关系，研究人员必须克服这些紧张关系才能进行连贯而严格的研究。本文试图通过开发一种以现实主义科学哲学为基础的 TA 方法来解决其中的一些紧张局势。针对访谈数据，我们建议使用三种类型的主题（经验性，推论性和倾向性）以及相应的有效性指标（经验充足性，本体论合理性和解释力）。使用一个说明性的例子，我们概述了现实主义 TA 方法的概念基础，并提出了在实践中进行的建议。我们声称，这种方法，