Hi Bryan,

Yes, this can be considered an example of open coding. Open coding is quite a broad term – it simply means attaching labels to parts of the data to describe or classify each part, and it can be applied in many different ways. In the terms of Braun & Clarke’s scheme, our example fits with an inductive and semantic approach (because we let the data determine our themes, and we focus on the direct content of what is said).

The example in this article is a simplified version of thematic analysis designed to help understand how the process works. The specific approach you take will depend on the decisions you’ve made earlier in the research process (for example, based on your research questions and theoretical framework). Many approaches to thematic analysis are not consistently defined throughout the literature; therefore, it’s important not just to name an approach, but to clearly explain the choices you made and the process you followed when you’re describing your methodology.

I hope that helps!

I just need to know which type of coding scheme did you use on the example that you showed above? and why did you use it.

The reason why I am asking that is because other scholars wrote that in thematic analysis, the type of coding to use was not clearly specified, therefore some used open coding, others combined deductive and inductive coding, others used their own ways of coding. Braun & Clark mentioned the approaches such as deductive or inductive, semantic or latent approaches when developing themes & codes, but they did not specify whether it is open coding e.t.c.

Therefore it will be very helpful to me and maybe other people who are reading this article, if you respond on the question I asked, because it will also help me understand clearly the approach that you used in coding from braun & clark (2006) thematic analysis in your example, and it will help me to decide which approach to use in my study when coding.

Thank you.