Table 3 Four-step thematic analysis
Steps in thematic analysis | Content of steps in the analysis |
|---|---|
Step 1. Overall impression of the material • The authors (GV,VJ) thoroughly read the material independently of each other | • Formed an overview of the material • Started the process of identifying themes and used analysis for theme development |
Step 2. Coding-creating the first codes • The authors (GV,VJ) identified pattern and codes in the material independent of each other | • Developed codes from preliminary themes • Coded and developed elements of meaning and the sorted and grouped these into meaning units. |
Step 3. Text condensation and identifying themes • The authors (GV,VJ) condensed the material independently of each other • The authors (GV,VJ) assessed critical relevant themes together and subsequently involved the rest of the research group (IL,EB) in the discussion | • Searched to pattern in the material • Critically discussed themes, codes and categories • Reached a consensus on themes and categorisations |
Step 4. Synthesising and naming themes • The authors (GV,VJ, IL, EB) discussed the theme names and codes in order to reach consensus | • Parts of the text were regrouped • Presented and analysed text with prominent content and meaning • Kept an analytic distance and discussed • Linked underlying meaning in the themes and categories to each other to create main themes |