I'm conducting a thematic analysis for my interview methodology (part of my thesis). The interview focuses on validating the metrics used to compare web application security testing tools, which I've identified from my literature review. I'm currently confused about codes and themes. I'm finding it confusing. As I mentioned, I've conducted a literature review and identified 37 metrics. Should I take those 37 metrics as codes, or is there something else I should use as a code? If there's something else, could you provide one or two examples? Please help me. If my 37 metrics are codes then I'm thinking of using 4 themes:
Commonly Used Metrics Additional Metrics Metrics that are Considered Unimportant Evolving Landscape of Web Application Security
Can someone please clarify this?
Dear Sanmay Bhavanish Thota
By using thematic analysis in this way, you can move beyond a simple cataloging of metrics to a deeper exploration of the perspectives, priorities, and complexities surrounding web application security testing tools. Remember, the goal is to capture the richness of your data and generate insights that contribute to your research objectives.
If your interviewees discuss the specific metrics you've identified from the literature, then yes, you could use these metrics as codes. Each time an interviewee mentions one of the metrics, you would apply the corresponding code to that segment of the transcript.
However, interviews often yield insights beyond what you may have anticipated from the literature review. You might encounter new concepts, perspectives, or terminology that weren't captured by the original 37 metrics. In this case, you would create new codes to represent these additional insights.
Some interviewees may express opinions on metrics they deem less relevant or valuable, which could be grouped under this theme.
Once you have coded your data, you can begin to identify overarching themes that emerge from the patterns in your coded segments.
This theme could capture discussions about emerging trends, changes, or challenges in the field of web application security testing, which may not necessarily be tied to specific metrics but provide valuable context for your analysis.
Good day Ms. Sanmay, based from Braun & Clarke (2006), you have to generate initial codes among the 37 identified metrics into small chunks of meanings. The 6-phase framework helped us a lot to better explain the findings in our completed research. Good luck mam.
There is a difference between deductive and inductive approaches to qualitative analysis. If you begin with a predestined set of codes, then that is a deductive approach that is usually associated with content analysis. In contrast, thematic analysis uses an inductive approach where the codes are created during the analysis process itself.
Certainly! You can initiate your TA using a predetermined set of deductive codes derived from theory and concepts. Subsequently, you can transition into an inductive approach to uncover additional insights and areas for exploration based on the initial deductive codes.
Mohd Zairul If you are following Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis, there is no way to include pre-determined deductive codes.
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