Research Methods|Overview of Thematic Analysis and TAG: Methodology, Comparison, and Applications

Zhenting HE / 2024-12-24

Thematic Analysis and TAG Overview #

This compilation summarizes three core references, outlining Braun & Clarke’s Thematic Analysis (TA) and the latest TAG method (Thematic Analysis Informed by Grounded Theory) in research, providing a detailed comparison and practical guidance.

1. Key Thematic Analysis Literature Review #

1.1 Braun & Clarke (2012) #

  • Contribution: First systematic proposal of Thematic Analysis as an independent qualitative method
  • Key Features: Flexible application, data-driven, six-step process (Familiarization → Initial coding → Searching for themes → Reviewing themes → Defining and naming themes → Writing report)
  • Role: Provides methodological foundation for subsequent research, emphasizing theme identification from data rather than imposing pre-existing assumptions

1.2 Clarke & Braun (2017) #

  • Contribution: Methodological clarification and practical guidance
  • Updates:
    • Emphasizes theoretical stance and methodological transparency
    • Differentiates between explicit and implicit themes
    • Provides systematic operational guidance to enhance reliability
  • Role: Offers researchers a standardized and systematic framework for thematic analysis

2. Thematic Analysis Informed by Grounded Theory (TAG) #

2.1 Reference Information #

2.2 Core Purpose #

  • Integrate grounded theory strategies into thematic analysis
  • Introduce the TAG mixed method
  • Evaluate its application in qualitative healthcare research

2.3 Key Features #

  1. Combines Grounded Theory and Thematic Analysis: Retains thematic outputs while leveraging GT strategies
  2. Theoretical stance: Constructivist—knowledge and theme meanings are co-constructed through interaction between data and researcher
  3. GT strategy application:
    • Constant comparative analysis
    • Iterative coding process (Coding → Categories → Themes)
    • Data-driven theme generation and hierarchical abstraction
  4. Multi-level theme abstraction: Can form up to four-tiered theme structures, enhancing analytical depth
  5. Reliability enhancement: Can include multi-coder agreement checks or researcher reflexivity
  6. Scope of application: Complex qualitative data, healthcare research, contexts requiring explicit theme structure and comparison process

2.4 TAG vs. Braun & Clarke TA Comparison #

Dimension Braun & Clarke TA TAG (TA informed by GT)
Core approach Flexible theme identification Theme identification + GT strategies
Theoretical stance Constructivist / Pragmatic Constructivist
Coding strategy Six-step reflexive process Emphasizes constant comparison, iteration, category hierarchy
Output goals Themes and interpretation Themes + hierarchical structure + enhanced analytical depth
Theory development Not necessarily Does not generate full theory but can form conceptual frameworks
Reliability strategy Reflexive reporting Can include multi-coder agreement, researcher reflexivity
Data applicability Broad Complex qualitative data; healthcare, nursing, and health services research prioritized

2.5 Critical Discourse Analysis Perspective #

  • Although TAG is not a CDA method, its inductive and comparative strategies can be used to:
    • Extract implicit structures from discourse
    • Analyze power, ideology, and social mechanisms
  • TAG can serve as a grounded thematic identification strategy, providing a foundation for CDA data processing

3. Integrated Recommendations and Applications #

  1. Learning sequence:
    • Master Braun & Clarke (2012) six-step method → 2017 methodological updates → 2024 TAG method
  2. Research practice:
    • Use TAG iterative strategy for complex data to generate multi-level theme structures
    • Combine with CDA to analyze power relations, social mechanisms, or ideology
  3. Transparency and reliability:
    • Clarify theoretical stance and document coding and theme generation process
    • Incorporate multi-coder agreement or researcher reflexivity to enhance transparency

References #

  1. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2012). Thematic analysis. In H. Cooper (Ed.), APA Handbook of Research Methods in Psychology: Vol. 2. Research Designs.
  2. Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2017). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Qualitative Psychology, 4(1), 1–13.
  3. O’Callaghan, C., Dwyer, J., & Schofield, P. (2024). Thematic Analysis Informed by Grounded Theory (TAG) in Healthcare Research: Foundations and Applications. Qualitative Research in Psychology. Ivysci
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Last modified on 2024-12-24