Thematic Analysis Worksheet

The Qualitative Researcher | A Subthesis Resource

Based on Braun & Clarke's 6-Phase Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Use this worksheet to guide and document your thematic analysis process. Print or save as PDF.

Study Information

Study Title: 
Researcher: 
Date: 
Data Sources: 

Phase 1: Familiarization with the Data

Immerse yourself in the data. Read and re-read transcripts, noting initial impressions.

Data reviewed (list transcripts, documents, etc.):
 
Initial observations and impressions:
 
Recurring ideas or patterns noticed:
 

Phase 2: Generating Initial Codes

Systematically code interesting features of the data across the entire data set.

CodeDescriptionFrequency
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Phase 3: Generating Candidate Themes

Collate codes into potential themes. Gather all data relevant to each candidate theme.

Candidate ThemeCodes IncludedInitial Description
   
   
   
   
   

Phase 4: Reviewing Themes

Check if themes work in relation to the coded extracts and the entire data set. Refine, merge, split, or discard themes as needed.

ThemeStatusRationale for Decision
 ☐ Retained   ☐ Merged   ☐ Discarded 
 ☐ Retained   ☐ Merged   ☐ Discarded 
 ☐ Retained   ☐ Merged   ☐ Discarded 
 ☐ Retained   ☐ Merged   ☐ Discarded 
 ☐ Retained   ☐ Merged   ☐ Discarded 
Notes on theme revisions:
 

Phase 5: Defining and Naming Themes

Refine the specifics of each theme and generate clear names and definitions.

Final Theme NameDefinitionKey CodesRepresentative Data Excerpt
    
    
    
    
    

Phase 6: Producing the Report

Final opportunity for analysis. Select compelling extract examples. Relate your analysis back to the research question and literature.

How do the themes address the research question(s)?
 
Connections to existing literature:
 
Overall narrative or story the themes tell:
 
Writing notes and next steps:
 

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