Downloadable Qualitative Research Templates

These templates are designed to support your qualitative research process. Each template is available as a free download (save as PDF from your browser via Print > Save as PDF) and can be adapted to your specific study. All templates are provided under a Creative Commons BY-NC license — free to use for academic and non-commercial purposes with attribution.

Qualitative Codebook Template

A structured template for documenting your codes with definitions, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and examples. Essential for systematic coding and inter-coder reliability.

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Semi-Structured Interview Guide Template

A template for developing your interview protocol with sections for opening script, main questions, probes, and closing procedures.

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Focus Group Moderator Guide Template

A template for planning and facilitating focus group discussions, including ground rules, question sequence, activity prompts, and timing guidelines.

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Reflexivity Journal Template

A structured journal template for documenting your assumptions, positionality, and reflexive thoughts throughout the research process.

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Audit Trail Log Template

A template for documenting every research decision — from data collection through analysis — to establish dependability and confirmability.

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Participant Consent Form Template

An IRB-ready consent form template specifically designed for qualitative research, including sections on recording, confidentiality, and data storage.

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Thematic Analysis Worksheet

A worksheet for Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis process, with structured spaces for each phase from familiarization through theme refinement.

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Code-to-Theme Development Matrix

A visual matrix for mapping the progression from initial codes to categories to themes, with space to document supporting evidence and analytical notes.

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How to Use These Templates

  1. Download the template you need
  2. Adapt it to your specific study — these are starting points, not rigid structures
  3. Consult your advisor and IRB for study-specific requirements, especially for consent forms
  4. Document your modifications — any changes you make to a standard template should be noted in your methods section

Need Interactive Tools?

These templates provide static frameworks for your research. For interactive tools that generate customized codebooks and interview protocols, visit Subthesis.


Templates are provided for educational purposes. Always consult your methodology advisor and IRB for study-specific decisions.