I use thematic analysis for developing a thematic framework, which encompasses knowledge about software maintenance in a small software company. I have a case that one initial code, in combination with different sets of other codes, creates two themes. Since, several prominent researchers stress the importance of flexibility and creativity in qualitative research, I feel that this is acceptable decision.
What is your opinion about this issue?
I would say that a theme is a recurring pattern across a dataset - so as long as each of your two themes meet that criteria then there is no problem. A code can certainly be used as part of several themes - if that is your query?
Dear Zeljko,
It is a difficult scenario to give thoughts as there are lots of factors not known here. Are you using a pre-defined code frame ( in a deductive manner)? Or are you creating your themes directly from data ( in a inductive manner)?
If you are doing in an inductive way you should be careful with creation of a themes and sub-themes not from the data, as it seems to be your situation, but from relationship from code you create, at least at the initial stages. The reason is that you might start thinking in the code relationship too early instead of focusing on identifying themes from data. My recommendation is no to waist what you have done but to keep your thoughts (and the code relationship you thought) for a later stage.
There is a degree of flexibility about thematic analysis so please listen to other researcher as well. These are the suggestion I got from my supervisor when I faced similar situation: keep you mind open to the identification of categories.
In his study thematic analysis is conducted by using interpretative approach, without trying to fit data to any predetermined code frame. I am aware that my practical experience and extensive reading of literature in software engineering may influence analysis, but I started coding from the scratch and in several cases used in-vivo codes.
Zeljko,
It's only a problem if you want a nice strict hierarchical relationship between your top-level categories (themes?) and your codes. Unfortunately some approaches say that's what you should do.
Best wishes,
John E
Zeljko,
I think it is possible for one code to be placed into more than one theme because one code may contain different interpretations. For example, a code of "Teachers in School A regularly have meeting at the evening of every Friday" may be placed into the themes of "Teacher professional development" and "School administration." Hope this helps you.
Khajornsak
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