Attempting rigour and replicability in thematic analysis of qualitative research data; a case study of codebook development

• Published in: BMC medical research methodology 2019-03, Vol.19 (1), p.66-66, Article 66
• Main Authors: Roberts, Kate, Dowell, Anthony, Nie, Jing-Bao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acupuncture; Alternative medicine; Analysis; Case studies; Codebook; Coding; Content analysis; Data analysis; Dictionaries; Evidence-Based Medicine - methods; Evidence-Based Medicine - statistics & numerical data; Family medicine; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Research - methods; Health Services Research - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Integrative medicine; Medical cooperation; Medical research; Methods; Qualitative Research; Realism; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; Research methodology; Researchers; Rigour; Textbooks; Thematic analysis; Validity
• ISSN: 1471-2288; 1471-2288
• DOI: 10.1186/s12874-019-0707-y

Navigating the world of qualitative thematic analysis can be challenging. This is compounded by the fact that detailed descriptions of methods are often omitted from qualitative discussions. While qualitative research methodologies are now mature, there often remains a lack of fine detail in their description both at submitted peer reviewed article level and in textbooks. As one of research's aims is to determine the relationship between knowledge and practice through the demonstration of rigour, more detailed descriptions of methods could prove useful. Rigour in quantitative research is often determined through detailed explanation allowing replication, but the ability to replicate is often not considered appropriate in qualitative research. However, a well described qualitative methodology could demonstrate and ensure the same effect. This article details the codebook development which contributed to thematic analysis of qualitative data. This analysis formed part of a mixed methods multiphase design research project, with both qualitative and quantitative inquiry and involving the convergence of data and analyses. This design consisted of three distinct phases: quantitative, qualitative and implementation phases. This article is aimed at researchers and doctoral students new to thematic analysis by describing a framework to assist their processes. The detailed description of the methods used supports attempts to utilise the thematic analysis process and to determine rigour to support the establishment of credibility. This process will assist practitioners to be confident that the knowledge and claims contained within research are transferable to their practice. The approach described within this article builds on, and enhances, current accepted models.