The Power in Naming
Hello Qualitative Mind,
The inspiration for today’s blog post is a methodological paper by Braun and Clarke (2020), “Can I use TA? Should I use TA? Should I not use TA? Comparing reflexive thematic analysis and other pattern-based qualitative analytic approaches.” The paper is a must-read if you’re going through data analysis and struggling to write about the process you’re following. I know I learned new things there that will help me name the things I do; and it triggered the thoughts I’m sharing here today.
The more I learn and teach qualitative research methods, the more I realize the power that lies in naming paradigms, methods, analytic approaches, references, etc. I believe that not being able to name and describe what we’re doing in our qualitative research dims our confidence, fuels our uncertainties, and robs us of opportunities to showcase our qualitative work (and increase its impact).
When I read the methodological paper by Braun and Clarke (2020), I was looking to increase my repertoire of references that enable me to differentiate qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. What I didn’t expect was that it would become a strong reference for something I firmly believe, and that’s that theming ought to happen in qualitative content analysis. And, thematic and qualitative content analysis could be the same if they hadn’t been established as two different analytic approaches.
Okay, okay…Are you raising your eyebrows and feeling confused about that last statement? If you are, here is an excerpt from Braun and Clarke’s paper that might clarify what I just said:
“As TA [thematic analysis] and QCA [qualitative content analysis] seem to be parallel developments from quantitative content analysis, and more or less overlap (depending on the version), is it useful to consider them distinct methods? Does having different terms clarify, or does it just confuse and complexify, unnecessarily? Our view tends toward the latter, but as both branches of this family of methods are now firmly established, neither will disappear.”
To the despair of many, the use of different terms to explain the same thing happens often in qualitative inquiry. I don’t like it, but it’s the current reality. That’s the main reason why inside Qualitative Research Blueprint (QRB) one of my biggest goals (in addition to supporting you as the researcher) is to help you name what remains unnamed (or not properly named) in your qualitative work.
This starts with identifying your qualitative paradigm and learning more about yourself as a qualitative researcher. There is so much power in naming why you’re doing the qualitative research you’re doing, and why you’ve chosen the methods you’re using or going to use.
From there, I give you the tools (through lessons, references and weekly discussions) to assess the methodological coherence of your qualitative work. This is where the magic happens {not really magic, but the peaceful feeling that comes with clarity}… you feel more confident in naming your methods of data collection and analysis, and empowered to move forward with your qualitative writing.
QRB’s course promise states that “in this course, you will feel confident about moving your qualitative health research project along and achieving your desired impact by learning how to design, implement and write rigorous, impactful qualitative health research.” It’s not a vain promise, it’s based on all the amazing lessons, weekly discussions and bonus workshops you’ll gain access to (in addition to the strong community of qualitative-minded people you will be surrounded by)!
QRB is open for enrollment until July 2, 2021 at 9pm MST. Don’t miss your chance to sign up for this course and all the incredible things we’ll cover inside {starting on Tuesday, July 6}.
I hope to see you inside QRB so we can discuss Braun & Clarke’s paper (among many other things) during our weekly CommuniQ chats!
Talk soon,
Maira
“QRB was what I had been missing in my doctoral program, with the guidance and support that I needed to pursue my interests in qualitative health research. Maira is an amazing instructor! She is knowledgeable, very approachable and has the ability to make complex content feel easy to digest and doable. My only regret is that I didn’t have access to taking this course sooner!”