Making Sense of Qualitative Data Through Reflexive Thematic Analysis: Principles and Methodological Distinctions

Thematic analysis represents a family of approaches underpinned by different philosophical assumptions and methodological traditions, particularly within interpretivist and constructivist paradigms. However, many qualitative studies provide limited explanations of how themes are developed and how analytical decisions are made, resulting in methodological ambiguities that may weaken the credibility and transparency of research findings. One of the analytic methods within thematic analysis is Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Reflexive Thematic Analysis emphasizes on researcher subjectivity, reflexivity, and the active construction of themes as interpretive outputs rather than objective discoveries embedded within data. Unlike Grounded Theory, which seeks to develop explanatory theory from systematically generated data; Narrative Inquiry, which focuses on understanding human experiences through stories; and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), which aims to explore and interpret individuals’ lived experiences, RTA is primarily concerned with identifying and interpreting patterns of shared meaning across a dataset. These methodological distinctions influence how data are collected, analyzed, interpreted, and reported, making it essential for researchers to understand the unique contribution of each approach. This paper aims to advance understanding of Reflexive Thematic Analysis by examining its conceptual foundations, guiding principles, analytical processes, and reporting practices. Drawing selectively on Grounded Theory, Narrative Inquiry, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as comparative reference points, this paper highlights the distinctive characteristics that make RTA an appropriate methodological choice for many qualitative studies. By clarifying the philosophical assumptions and practical application of RTA, the paper contributes to methodological rigor in qualitative research and offers guidance to researchers seeking to produce transparent, coherent, and meaningful analyses of qualitative datasets.

Thematic analysis, interpretivists, constructivists, Reflexive thematic analysis, Grounded Theory, Narrative Inquiry, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

1. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2012). Thematic analysis. In H. Cooper (Ed.), APA handbook of research methods in psychology (Vol. 2, pp. 57–71). American Psychological Association. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589–597. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). To saturate or not to saturate? Questioning data saturation as a useful concept for thematic analysis and sample-size rationales. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 13(2), 201–216. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2024). Thematic analysis: Theory and practice. SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Braun, V., Clarke, V., Boulton, E., Davey, L., & McEvoy, C. (2021). The online survey as a qualitative research tool. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 24(6), 641–654. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Byrne, D. (2022). A worked example of Braun and Clarke's approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Quality & Quantity, 56(3), 1391–1412. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Campbell, K. A., Orr, E., Durepos, P., Nguyen, L., Li, L., Whitmore, C., Gehrke, P., Graham, L., & Jack, S. M. (2021). Reflexive thematic analysis for applied qualitative health research. The Qualitative Report, 26(6), 2011–2028. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Christou, P. A. (2024). Thematic analysis through artificial intelligence (AI). The Qualitative Report, 29(2), 560–576. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Clandinin, D. J., & Connelly, F. M. (2000). Narrative inquiry: Experience and story in qualitative research. Jossey-Bass. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2018). Using thematic analysis in counselling and psychotherapy research: A critical reflection. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 18(2), 107–110. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Fugard, A., & Potts, H. W. (2020). Thematic analysis. In P. Atkinson et al. (Eds.), SAGE research methods foundations. SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures. Basic Books. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Kiger, M. E., & Varpio, L. (2020). Thematic analysis of qualitative data: AMEE Guide No. 131. Medical Teacher, 42(8), 846–854. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Levitt, H. M., Motulsky, S. L., Wertz, F. J., Morrow, S. L., & Ponterotto, J. G. (2017). Recommendations for designing and reviewing qualitative research in psychology: Promoting methodological integrity. Qualitative Psychology, 4(1), 2–22. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1), 1–13. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Patton, M. Q. (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Saldaña, J. (2015). The coding manual for qualitative researchers (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Saldaña, J. (2021). The coding manual for qualitative researchers (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Saunders, B., Sim, J., Kingstone, T., Baker, S., Waterfield, J., Bartlam, B., Burroughs, H., & Jinks, C. (2018). Saturation in qualitative research: Exploring its conceptualization and operationalization. Quality & Quantity, 52(4), 1893–1907. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Smith, J. A., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2022). Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Theory, method and research (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Terry, G., Hayfield, N., Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2017). Thematic analysis. In C. Willig & W. Rogers (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of qualitative research in psychology (2nd ed., pp. 17–37). SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Yanto, E. S. (2023). The what and how of essential thematic analysis. The Qualitative Report, 28(11), 3120–3131. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study