Expanding Approaches to Thematic Analysis: Creative Engagements with Qualitative Data

Expanding Approaches to Thematic Analysis: Creative Engagements with Qualitative Data springboards readers into a world where generating themes from qualitative data is a creative, experimental, and wondrous process! While no one ever said it had to be, thematic analysis is invariably described as a step-by-step process that involves coding. Yet qualitative data analysis is more than a technical procedure—it invokes imagination and inspiration—intuitional engagements that are as vital to the data analysis process as they are difficult to describe. This edited book begins with two premises: (1) there is more than one way to theme data, and (2) qualitative researchers do not have to code to get to themes. Each chapter introduces readers to a different approach to thematic analysis, explores that approach’s theoretical and disciplinary roots, and illustrates how that approach can be used to generate themes. Approaches include annotating, memoing, storying, writing, composing poems, artmaking, meditating, and more, expanding conceptualizations of what themes and thematic analysis can be. The book also includes ‘methodologies in action’: helpful examples of creative theming from doctoral students and early career scholars. This book is as much a provocation for engaging thematic analysis beyond/without/in addition to coding as it is a resource for anyone interested in the rationale, justification, and examples for doing so. As such, it is a source of inspiration for any qualitative student, researcher, and scholar who wishes to expand their repertoire of approaches to thematic analysis.

Table of Contents:
Introduction – Expanding Thematic Analysis: Beyond Coding, Toward Engagement Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, Kelly W. Guyotte, and Stephanie Anne Shelton. Chapter 1 – An Introduction to Theming the Data Johnny Saldaña. Chapter 2 – Ma(r)king Themes: Annotating as Thematic Analysis Stephanie Anne Shelton and Carlson H. Coogler. Chapter 3 – Memo Writing: Centrifugal and Centripetal Approaches to Thematic Analysis Paul Mihas. Chapter 4 – Spinning Thematic Webs: The Plasticity of Diagrammatical Analysis Melissa Freeman. Using Diagramming to Explore the Perceptions and Experiences of Spanish-Speaking Mamás and Their Students in the Context of the Seal of Biliteracy Anna Monica Segoviano. Chapter 5 – Reading Relationally: A Feminist/Queer Analytic Method Kelly W. Guyotte and Stephanie Anne Shelton. Not Just Reading Between the Lines: Analysis as a Generative Act Presence O’Neal. Chapter 6 – Thematic Resonances: Listening as an Alternative to Data Dissection Susan Cannon and Hannah Edber. Audio-Memoing as Accountable Listening: One Structure for Data Analysis Centering Indigenous Perspectives Jenni Conrad. Chapter 7 – Writing Toward Theoretical and Resonance Jessica Van Cleave. Narrative Fiction as Feminist Refusal: A Utopian Short Story of Lactation in Education Kelsey Benson. Making Sense Through Letter Writing Maddie Neufeld. Chapter 8 – The Logic of Peace: Practical Lessons from Thematic Analysis and Meditations James Salvo. Creative Silence and “Theme Jumping”: Meditation as Thematic Analysis Steve Haberlin. Chapter 9 – Getting Mixed Up: Arts-Based, Contemplative, and Generative Approaches to Thematic Analysis Kakali Bhattacharya. Deliberate Reflections: Unveiling Identities and Insights through Contemplative Data Analysis in Autoethnography Keishana L. Barnes. Chapter 10 – Recurring Languaging Practices as ‘Themes’ Francesca Williamson and Jessica Nina Lester. Applying Ubuntu in Thematic Analysis for Exploring Black Student Experiences at a Predominately White Institution Da’Ja’Nay Askew. Chapter 11 – Composing Poems: Using Poetry as Qualitative Data Analysis Sandra L. Faulkner and Wendy K. Watson. Methodologies in Action: Poetry as Thematic Analysis Chelsea Gilbert. Chapter 12 – I Have Hated Analysis: Poetic Thematic Analysis Maria K. E. Lahman. Chapter 13 – Quilt Tactics: Black Quilting as Method in Qualitative Research Stephanie (S.R.) Toliver. The Roots: A Golden Concept to Black Life Trevor McCray. Chapter 14 – Exploring Relationality, Wonder, and Resonance: Artmaking as (Thematic) Analysis Maureen A. Flint and Shannon A. B. Perry. Creating Visual Images to Enrich Thematic Analysis Kanwardeep Kaur Singh and Elizabeth Holliday Morgan. Finding Gems: Wondering Within Thematic Analysis Tye Campbell, W. Boden Robertson, and José Wellington Sousa. Chapter 15 – Who Are Photos For? What Are Photos For?: Thematic Analysis, Photovoice, and Photographic Practice Jasmine B. Ulmer. Let’s Go for a Walk: Critical Spatial Analysis and Participatory Theme Making Jason E. Titus. Chapter 16 – Performance Perspectives in Thematic Analysis Joseph D. Sweet. Chapter 17 – Comics-Based Thematic Analysis Marcus B. Weaver-Hightower. Chapter 18 – Wondering, Seducing… Thematic Nonsense Jennifer R. Wolgemuth, Travis M. Marn, and Daria Smirnova. Bowerbirding with Data Glowing Christie C. Byers.

About the Author :
Jennifer R. Wolgemuth is Associate Professor of Qualitative Research at the University of South Florida. Drawing on critical, poststructural, and new materialist theories, she explores inquiry as an agential process that simultaneously investigates and creates lives and communities to and for which researchers are responsible. Kelly W. Guyotte is Associate Professor of Qualitative Research at the University of Alabama. Always inspired by her background in the visual arts, her research interests include issues of gender and equity in higher education and artful inquiry practices, as well as qualitative pedagogy and mentoring. Stephanie Anne Shelton is Associate Professor of Qualitative Research at the University of Alabama. Guided by her extensive background in K–12 and teacher education, and situated within queer and feminist theories, she often engages in interview, focus group, and observation-based research that explores LGBTQ+ issues in educational research.

Review :
"The authors of Expanding Approaches to Thematic Analysis have taken a common topic in qualitative inquiry and have given it a magnificent makeover. Every single chapter in this book is a bag of sparkling gifts providing much needed guidance for new scholars to the field and textured and sophisticated analysis for the more experienced. This is the most important addition to the field in recent memory." -- David Carlson, Arizona State University, USA "Expanding Approaches to Thematic Analysis delivers an invitation: to engage with creative and contemporary thematic analysis variations and to experiment and experience patterns, threads, resonances, and various contours of thematic possibilities in qualitative inquiry and beyond. An invitation to become activated and surprised!" -- Mirka Koro, Arizona State, University USA "Written by an impressive team of qualitative researchers, Expanding Approaches to Thematic Analysis is a much needed and timely book. It puts the emphasis on the need to think about what thematic analysis is, and what it might be, rather than reducing it to a form of instrumental coding and a discussion of how to do that coding. This shift of emphasis opens new and different possibilities for thematic analysis to realize its full potential and contribute to rich and nuanced interpretations (not just descriptions) in qualitative inquiries. Practical examples are provided of how such potential has, and might be, realized thereby grounding the discussion in the reality of undertaking this type of research. This book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in thematic analysis and how best to use it." -- Julianne Cheek, Østfold University College, Norway "Expanding Approaches to Thematic Analysis is a must-read for anyone engaged with qualitative data. With a wide array of compelling works that explore innovation, creativity, and imagination in the approach to qualitative data analysis, this book addresses a long-awaited intellectual demand among aspiring qualitative researchers. Each chapter not only demonstrates cutting-edge thoughts but also serves as an inspiration to move beyond the limited realm of conducting qualitative data analysis. The editors of the book thoughtfully brought eminent contributors together to make an outstanding contribution to the ever-evolving field of qualitative research." -- Jeong-Hee Kim, Texas Tech University, USA "Expanding Approaches to Thematic Analysis: Creative Engagements with Qualitative Data is a much-needed addition to thinking on thematic analysis in qualitative inquiry for researchers working from a range of theoretical perspectives. The collection of chapters and short narratives representing “methodologies in action” provide a bountiful set of resources demonstrating thoughtful, artful, and inventive ways to contemplate what thematic analysis is and does, and how it might be enacted. Both philosophical and practical, the edited volume collectively represents an impressive array of approaches to thematic analysis. Read, learn, and be inspired!" -- Kathryn Roulston, University of Georgia, USA "In this far-reaching engagement with the practices and politics of thematic analysis, contributors provide crucial interventions that move beyond coding. From annotating and diagramming to poetry, art-making, and performance – as well as a whole host of other approaches -- contributors seek new possibilities and inventive ways forward in the practical, conceptual, theoretical, and empirical aspects of thematic analysis. Whether you are a novice student or a seasoned researcher, Expanding Approaches to Thematic Analysis will be a must-read addition to your methods library." -- Michael Giardina, Florida State University, USA