Research Methodology in the Human Sciences

Thematic analysis is a widely used qualitative research method, offering a powerful tool to identify and interpret meaningful patterns within qualitative data. This study aims to provide a concise yet practical review of thematic analysis by first exploring its key concepts and historical background, followed by examining various approaches, including reflexive thematic analysis and thematic networks. The step-by-step processes of conducting thematic analysis are outlined, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate approach based on data type and research objectives. The study further distinguishes thematic analysis from other qualitative methods, reviews its commonly used software tools, and evaluates its strengths and limitations. The findings reveal that thematic analysis, with its high flexibility and capacity to uncover hidden meanings, facilitates in-depth data examination. However, challenges such as researcher bias, time-intensive processes, and complexity in distinguishing between main and sub-themes are acknowledged. As a comprehensive method, thematic analysis provides opportunities for deeper understanding of complex concepts in qualitative research.