15 point check-list for quality thematic analysis

Virginia Braun & Victoria Clarke (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology,
Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3:2, 77-101

Process

Transcription 

1. The data have been transcribed to an appropriate level of detail, and the transcripts have been checked against the tapes for ‘accuracy’

Codes

1. Each data item has been given equal attention in the coding process.
2. Themes have not been generated from a few vivid examples (an anecdotal approach),but instead the coding process has been thorough, inclusive and comprehensive.
3. All relevant extracts for all each theme have been collated.
4. Themes have been checked against each other and back to the original data set.
5. Themes are internally coherent, consistent, and distinctive.

Analysis 

1. Data have been analysed / interpreted, made sense of / rather than just paraphrased or described.
2.  Analysis and data match each other / the extracts illustrate the analytic claims.
3.  Analysis tells a convincing and well-organized story about the data and topic.
4. A good balance between analytic narrative and illustrative extracts is provided.

Overall 

1. Enough time has been allocated to complete all phases of the analysis adequately, without rushing a phase or giving it a once-over-lightly.

Written report 

1. The assumptions about, and specific approach to, thematic analysis are clearly explicated.
2. There is a good fit between what you claim you do, and what you show you have
3. done / ie, described method and reported analysis are consistent.
4. The language and concepts used in the report are consistent with the epistemological position of the analysis.
5. The researcher is positioned as active in the research process; themes do not just‘emerge’.