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113 Great Research Paper Topics

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One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
Should graduate students be able to form unions?

What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
How does stress affect the body?
Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
What were the causes of the Civil War?
How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
What caused Hitler's rise to power?
Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
What are the pros and cons of fracking?
What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
How are black holes created?
Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
Has social media made people more or less connected?
What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

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Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners have one of the fastest growing careers in the country, and we have all the information you need to know about what to expect from nurse practitioner school .

Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Methodology

How to Do Thematic Analysis | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Do Thematic Analysis | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on September 6, 2019 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on June 22, 2023.

Thematic analysis is a method of analyzing qualitative data . It is usually applied to a set of texts, such as an interview or transcripts . The researcher closely examines the data to identify common themes – topics, ideas and patterns of meaning that come up repeatedly.

There are various approaches to conducting thematic analysis, but the most common form follows a six-step process: familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and writing up. Following this process can also help you avoid confirmation bias when formulating your analysis.

This process was originally developed for psychology research by Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke . However, thematic analysis is a flexible method that can be adapted to many different kinds of research.

When to use thematic analysis, different approaches to thematic analysis, step 1: familiarization, step 2: coding, step 3: generating themes, step 4: reviewing themes, step 5: defining and naming themes, step 6: writing up, other interesting articles.

Thematic analysis is a good approach to research where you’re trying to find out something about people’s views, opinions, knowledge, experiences or values from a set of qualitative data – for example, interview transcripts , social media profiles, or survey responses .

Some types of research questions you might use thematic analysis to answer:

How do patients perceive doctors in a hospital setting?
What are young women’s experiences on dating sites?
What are non-experts’ ideas and opinions about climate change?
How is gender constructed in high school history teaching?

To answer any of these questions, you would collect data from a group of relevant participants and then analyze it. Thematic analysis allows you a lot of flexibility in interpreting the data, and allows you to approach large data sets more easily by sorting them into broad themes.

However, it also involves the risk of missing nuances in the data. Thematic analysis is often quite subjective and relies on the researcher’s judgement, so you have to reflect carefully on your own choices and interpretations.

Pay close attention to the data to ensure that you’re not picking up on things that are not there – or obscuring things that are.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Once you’ve decided to use thematic analysis, there are different approaches to consider.

There’s the distinction between inductive and deductive approaches:

An inductive approach involves allowing the data to determine your themes.
A deductive approach involves coming to the data with some preconceived themes you expect to find reflected there, based on theory or existing knowledge.

Ask yourself: Does my theoretical framework give me a strong idea of what kind of themes I expect to find in the data (deductive), or am I planning to develop my own framework based on what I find (inductive)?

There’s also the distinction between a semantic and a latent approach:

A semantic approach involves analyzing the explicit content of the data.
A latent approach involves reading into the subtext and assumptions underlying the data.

Ask yourself: Am I interested in people’s stated opinions (semantic) or in what their statements reveal about their assumptions and social context (latent)?

After you’ve decided thematic analysis is the right method for analyzing your data, and you’ve thought about the approach you’re going to take, you can follow the six steps developed by Braun and Clarke .

The first step is to get to know our data. It’s important to get a thorough overview of all the data we collected before we start analyzing individual items.

This might involve transcribing audio , reading through the text and taking initial notes, and generally looking through the data to get familiar with it.

Next up, we need to code the data. Coding means highlighting sections of our text – usually phrases or sentences – and coming up with shorthand labels or “codes” to describe their content.

Let’s take a short example text. Say we’re researching perceptions of climate change among conservative voters aged 50 and up, and we have collected data through a series of interviews. An extract from one interview looks like this:

Coding qualitative data
Interview extract	Codes
Personally, I’m not sure. I think the climate is changing, sure, but I don’t know why or how. People say you should trust the experts, but who’s to say they don’t have their own reasons for pushing this narrative? I’m not saying they’re wrong, I’m just saying there’s reasons not to 100% trust them. The facts keep changing – it used to be called global warming.

In this extract, we’ve highlighted various phrases in different colors corresponding to different codes. Each code describes the idea or feeling expressed in that part of the text.

At this stage, we want to be thorough: we go through the transcript of every interview and highlight everything that jumps out as relevant or potentially interesting. As well as highlighting all the phrases and sentences that match these codes, we can keep adding new codes as we go through the text.

After we’ve been through the text, we collate together all the data into groups identified by code. These codes allow us to gain a a condensed overview of the main points and common meanings that recur throughout the data.

Next, we look over the codes we’ve created, identify patterns among them, and start coming up with themes.

Themes are generally broader than codes. Most of the time, you’ll combine several codes into a single theme. In our example, we might start combining codes into themes like this:

Turning codes into themes
Codes	Theme
	Uncertainty
	Distrust of experts
	Misinformation

At this stage, we might decide that some of our codes are too vague or not relevant enough (for example, because they don’t appear very often in the data), so they can be discarded.

Other codes might become themes in their own right. In our example, we decided that the code “uncertainty” made sense as a theme, with some other codes incorporated into it.

Again, what we decide will vary according to what we’re trying to find out. We want to create potential themes that tell us something helpful about the data for our purposes.

Now we have to make sure that our themes are useful and accurate representations of the data. Here, we return to the data set and compare our themes against it. Are we missing anything? Are these themes really present in the data? What can we change to make our themes work better?

If we encounter problems with our themes, we might split them up, combine them, discard them or create new ones: whatever makes them more useful and accurate.

For example, we might decide upon looking through the data that “changing terminology” fits better under the “uncertainty” theme than under “distrust of experts,” since the data labelled with this code involves confusion, not necessarily distrust.

Now that you have a final list of themes, it’s time to name and define each of them.

Defining themes involves formulating exactly what we mean by each theme and figuring out how it helps us understand the data.

Naming themes involves coming up with a succinct and easily understandable name for each theme.

For example, we might look at “distrust of experts” and determine exactly who we mean by “experts” in this theme. We might decide that a better name for the theme is “distrust of authority” or “conspiracy thinking”.

Finally, we’ll write up our analysis of the data. Like all academic texts, writing up a thematic analysis requires an introduction to establish our research question, aims and approach.

We should also include a methodology section, describing how we collected the data (e.g. through semi-structured interviews or open-ended survey questions ) and explaining how we conducted the thematic analysis itself.

The results or findings section usually addresses each theme in turn. We describe how often the themes come up and what they mean, including examples from the data as evidence. Finally, our conclusion explains the main takeaways and shows how the analysis has answered our research question.

In our example, we might argue that conspiracy thinking about climate change is widespread among older conservative voters, point out the uncertainty with which many voters view the issue, and discuss the role of misinformation in respondents’ perceptions.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Normal distribution
Measures of central tendency
Chi square tests
Confidence interval
Quartiles & Quantiles
Cluster sampling
Stratified sampling
Discourse analysis
Cohort study
Peer review
Ethnography

Research bias

Implicit bias
Cognitive bias
Conformity bias
Hawthorne effect
Availability heuristic
Attrition bias
Social desirability bias

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Themes, Theories, and Models

Affiliation.

1 1 Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
PMID: 29313466
DOI: 10.1177/1049732317750127

Although theory building is often described as the ultimate goal of qualitative research, an examination of articles in Qualitative Health Research ( QHR) shows that themes are actually the typical format for reporting results. In addition, articles that rely on themes often present low-level theories in the form of models that connect these themes. Because models have received less attention than either themes or theories, this article concentrates on summarizing four different kinds of models: hierarchies, timelines, processes, and cycles. In each of these cases, it presents both a general illustration of such a model and a realistic example from a published article in QHR. It concludes with a call for greater recognition of the role that models play in capturing the results of qualitative research.

Keywords: methodology; qualitative analysis; reflexivity; theory development.

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Formulation of Themes in Qualitative Research: Logical Procedures and Analytical Paths

Formulação de temas em pesquisa qualitativa: procedimentos lógicos e demarcadores analíticos

Formulación de temas en investigación cualitativa: procedimentos lógicos y vías analíticas

Original Article
Published: 21 October 2020
Volume 29 , pages 155–166, ( 2021 )

Cite this article

Bruno Graebin de Farias ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7323-8621 1 ,
Luciana Dutra-Thomé ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9629-467X 2 ,
Silvia Helena Koller ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9109-6674 1 &
Thiago Gomes de Castro ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3492-8635 1

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Thematic analysis is one of the qualitative methods most widely used in psychological research. The aim of this paper is to situate the thematic analysis within the inferential diversity that characterizes qualitative research methods. We first present the schools of thematic analysis and their respective inferential logics, emphasizing the logical and analytical procedures that support the constitution of themes in these modalities of analysis. Secondly, in order to exemplify aspects of the technique, the article presents the steps of a thematic analysis conducted in a narrative study regarding impacts of incarceration on the lives of people released from the Brazilian prison system. We then highlight the logical process of formulating the themes from the participants’ narratives. Finally, the article presents a description of the different analytical steps involved in the thematization process and proposes a new classification of the steps of identification of themes in qualitative research to develop higher analytical quality.

A análise temática tem se notabilizado como um dos métodos qualitativos mais utilizados na pesquisa em Psicologia. O objetivo deste artigo é situar a análise temática na diversidade inferencial que caracteriza o conjunto de métodos qualitativos de pesquisa. Para isso, as escolas de análise temática são apresentadas com suas respectivas lógicas inferenciais, enfatizando os procedimentos lógicos e analíticos que subsidiam a constituição de temas. Com o intuito de exemplificar aspectos da técnica, o artigo apresenta os passos da análise temática em uma pesquisa narrativa com egressos do sistema prisional sobre os impactos do encarceramento em suas vidas, com destaque para o processo lógico de formulação dos temas a partir das narrativas dos egressos. Por fim, o artigo apresenta uma descrição de diferentes passos analíticos integrantes do processo de tematização e propõe uma nova classificação dos passos de identificação de temas em pesquisa qualitativa, a fim de garantir maior qualidade analítica.

El análisis temático se ha señalado como uno de los métodos cualitativos más utilizados en investigación en psicología. El objetivo de este artículo es situar el análisis temático en la diversidad inferencial que caracteriza el conjunto de métodos de investigación cualitativa. Para esto, las escuelas de análisis temático son presentadas con sus respectivas lógicas inferenciales, enfatizando los procedimientos lógicos y analíticos que apoyan la constitución de temas en estas modalidades de análisis. Con el fin de ejemplificar aspectos de la técnica, el artículo presenta los pasos del análisis temático en una investigación narrativa con egresos del sistema penitenciario sobre los impactos del encarcelamiento en sus vidas, destacando el proceso lógico de formulación de los temas basado en las narrativas de los participantes. Finalmente, el artículo presenta una descripción de los diferentes pasos analíticos que forman parte del proceso de tematización y propone una nueva clasificación de los pasos de identificación de temas en la investigación cualitativa, a fin de garantizar una mayor calidad analítica.

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The role of analytic direction in qualitative research

Thematic Analysis

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This study was funded by Programa de Excelência Acadêmica/CAPES (grant No. 88882.346435/2019-01).

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Bruno Graebin de Farias, Silvia Helena Koller & Thiago Gomes de Castro

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de Farias, B.G., Dutra-Thomé, L., Koller, S.H. et al. Formulation of Themes in Qualitative Research: Logical Procedures and Analytical Paths. Trends in Psychol. 29 , 155–166 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43076-020-00052-0

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Practical thematic...

Practical thematic analysis: a guide for multidisciplinary health services research teams engaging in qualitative analysis

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on behalf of the Coproduction Laboratory
1 Dartmouth Health, Lebanon, NH, USA
2 Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
3 Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
4 Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
5 Highland Park, NJ, USA
6 Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
Correspondence to: C H Saunders catherine.hylas.saunders{at}dartmouth.edu
Accepted 26 April 2023

Qualitative research methods explore and provide deep contextual understanding of real world issues, including people’s beliefs, perspectives, and experiences. Whether through analysis of interviews, focus groups, structured observation, or multimedia data, qualitative methods offer unique insights in applied health services research that other approaches cannot deliver. However, many clinicians and researchers hesitate to use these methods, or might not use them effectively, which can leave relevant areas of inquiry inadequately explored. Thematic analysis is one of the most common and flexible methods to examine qualitative data collected in health services research. This article offers practical thematic analysis as a step-by-step approach to qualitative analysis for health services researchers, with a focus on accessibility for patients, care partners, clinicians, and others new to thematic analysis. Along with detailed instructions covering three steps of reading, coding, and theming, the article includes additional novel and practical guidance on how to draft effective codes, conduct a thematic analysis session, and develop meaningful themes. This approach aims to improve consistency and rigor in thematic analysis, while also making this method more accessible for multidisciplinary research teams.

Through qualitative methods, researchers can provide deep contextual understanding of real world issues, and generate new knowledge to inform hypotheses, theories, research, and clinical care. Approaches to data collection are varied, including interviews, focus groups, structured observation, and analysis of multimedia data, with qualitative research questions aimed at understanding the how and why of human experience. 1 2 Qualitative methods produce unique insights in applied health services research that other approaches cannot deliver. In particular, researchers acknowledge that thematic analysis is a flexible and powerful method of systematically generating robust qualitative research findings by identifying, analysing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data. 3 4 5 6 Although qualitative methods are increasingly valued for answering clinical research questions, many researchers are unsure how to apply them or consider them too time consuming to be useful in responding to practical challenges 7 or pressing situations such as public health emergencies. 8 Consequently, researchers might hesitate to use them, or use them improperly. 9 10 11

Although much has been written about how to perform thematic analysis, practical guidance for non-specialists is sparse. 3 5 6 12 13 In the multidisciplinary field of health services research, qualitative data analysis can confound experienced researchers and novices alike, which can stoke concerns about rigor, particularly for those more familiar with quantitative approaches. 14 Since qualitative methods are an area of specialisation, support from experts is beneficial. However, because non-specialist perspectives can enhance data interpretation and enrich findings, there is a case for making thematic analysis easier, more rapid, and more efficient, 8 particularly for patients, care partners, clinicians, and other stakeholders. A practical guide to thematic analysis might encourage those on the ground to use these methods in their work, unearthing insights that would otherwise remain undiscovered.

Given the need for more accessible qualitative analysis approaches, we present a simple, rigorous, and efficient three step guide for practical thematic analysis. We include new guidance on the mechanics of thematic analysis, including developing codes, constructing meaningful themes, and hosting a thematic analysis session. We also discuss common pitfalls in thematic analysis and how to avoid them.

Summary points

Qualitative methods are increasingly valued in applied health services research, but multidisciplinary research teams often lack accessible step-by-step guidance and might struggle to use these approaches

A newly developed approach, practical thematic analysis, uses three simple steps: reading, coding, and theming

Based on Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis, our streamlined yet rigorous approach is designed for multidisciplinary health services research teams, including patients, care partners, and clinicians

This article also provides companion materials including a slide presentation for teaching practical thematic analysis to research teams, a sample thematic analysis session agenda, a theme coproduction template for use during the session, and guidance on using standardised reporting criteria for qualitative research

In their seminal work, Braun and Clarke developed a six phase approach to reflexive thematic analysis. 4 12 We built on their method to develop practical thematic analysis ( box 1 , fig 1 ), which is a simplified and instructive approach that retains the substantive elements of their six phases. Braun and Clarke’s phase 1 (familiarising yourself with the dataset) is represented in our first step of reading. Phase 2 (coding) remains as our second step of coding. Phases 3 (generating initial themes), 4 (developing and reviewing themes), and 5 (refining, defining, and naming themes) are represented in our third step of theming. Phase 6 (writing up) also occurs during this third step of theming, but after a thematic analysis session. 4 12

Key features and applications of practical thematic analysis

Step 1: reading.

All manuscript authors read the data

All manuscript authors write summary memos

Step 2: Coding

Coders perform both data management and early data analysis

Codes are complete thoughts or sentences, not categories

Step 3: Theming

Researchers host a thematic analysis session and share different perspectives

Themes are complete thoughts or sentences, not categories

Applications

For use by practicing clinicians, patients and care partners, students, interdisciplinary teams, and those new to qualitative research

When important insights from healthcare professionals are inaccessible because they do not have qualitative methods training

When time and resources are limited

Steps in practical thematic analysis

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We present linear steps, but as qualitative research is usually iterative, so too is thematic analysis. 15 Qualitative researchers circle back to earlier work to check whether their interpretations still make sense in the light of additional insights, adapting as necessary. While we focus here on the practical application of thematic analysis in health services research, we recognise our approach exists in the context of the broader literature on thematic analysis and the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative methods as a whole. For a more detailed discussion of these theoretical points, as well as other methods widely used in health services research, we recommend reviewing the sources outlined in supplemental material 1. A strong and nuanced understanding of the context and underlying principles of thematic analysis will allow for higher quality research. 16

Practical thematic analysis is a highly flexible approach that can draw out valuable findings and generate new hypotheses, including in cases with a lack of previous research to build on. The approach can also be used with a variety of data, such as transcripts from interviews or focus groups, patient encounter transcripts, professional publications, observational field notes, and online activity logs. Importantly, successful practical thematic analysis is predicated on having high quality data collected with rigorous methods. We do not describe qualitative research design or data collection here. 11 17

In supplemental material 1, we summarise the foundational methods, concepts, and terminology in qualitative research. Along with our guide below, we include a companion slide presentation for teaching practical thematic analysis to research teams in supplemental material 2. We provide a theme coproduction template for teams to use during thematic analysis sessions in supplemental material 3. Our method aligns with the major qualitative reporting frameworks, including the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). 18 We indicate the corresponding step in practical thematic analysis for each COREQ item in supplemental material 4.

Familiarisation and memoing

We encourage all manuscript authors to review the full dataset (eg, interview transcripts) to familiarise themselves with it. This task is most critical for those who will later be engaged in the coding and theming steps. Although time consuming, it is the best way to involve team members in the intellectual work of data interpretation, so that they can contribute to the analysis and contextualise the results. If this task is not feasible given time limitations or large quantities of data, the data can be divided across team members. In this case, each piece of data should be read by at least two individuals who ideally represent different professional roles or perspectives.

We recommend that researchers reflect on the data and independently write memos, defined as brief notes on thoughts and questions that arise during reading, and a summary of their impressions of the dataset. 2 19 Memoing is an opportunity to gain insights from varying perspectives, particularly from patients, care partners, clinicians, and others. It also gives researchers the opportunity to begin to scope which elements of and concepts in the dataset are relevant to the research question.

Data saturation

The concept of data saturation ( box 2 ) is a foundation of qualitative research. It is defined as the point in analysis at which new data tend to be redundant of data already collected. 21 Qualitative researchers are expected to report their approach to data saturation. 18 Because thematic analysis is iterative, the team should discuss saturation throughout the entire process, beginning with data collection and continuing through all steps of the analysis. 22 During step 1 (reading), team members might discuss data saturation in the context of summary memos. Conversations about saturation continue during step 2 (coding), with confirmation that saturation has been achieved during step 3 (theming). As a rule of thumb, researchers can often achieve saturation in 9-17 interviews or 4-8 focus groups, but this will vary depending on the specific characteristics of the study. 23

Data saturation in context

Braun and Clarke discourage the use of data saturation to determine sample size (eg, number of interviews), because it assumes that there is an objective truth to be captured in the data (sometimes known as a positivist perspective). 20 Qualitative researchers often try to avoid positivist approaches, arguing that there is no one true way of seeing the world, and will instead aim to gather multiple perspectives. 5 Although this theoretical debate with qualitative methods is important, we recognise that a priori estimates of saturation are often needed, particularly for investigators newer to qualitative research who might want a more pragmatic and applied approach. In addition, saturation based, sample size estimation can be particularly helpful in grant proposals. However, researchers should still follow a priori sample size estimation with a discussion to confirm saturation has been achieved.

Definition of coding

We describe codes as labels for concepts in the data that are directly relevant to the study objective. Historically, the purpose of coding was to distil the large amount of data collected into conceptually similar buckets so that researchers could review it in aggregate and identify key themes. 5 24 We advocate for a more analytical approach than is typical with thematic analysis. With our method, coding is both the foundation for and the beginning of thematic analysis—that is, early data analysis, management, and reduction occur simultaneously rather than as different steps. This approach moves the team more efficiently towards being able to describe themes.

Building the coding team

Coders are the research team members who directly assign codes to the data, reading all material and systematically labelling relevant data with appropriate codes. Ideally, at least two researchers would code every discrete data document, such as one interview transcript. 25 If this task is not possible, individual coders can each code a subset of the data that is carefully selected for key characteristics (sometimes known as purposive selection). 26 When using this approach, we recommend that at least 10% of data be coded by two or more coders to ensure consistency in codebook application. We also recommend coding teams of no more than four to five people, for practical reasons concerning maintaining consistency.

Clinicians, patients, and care partners bring unique perspectives to coding and enrich the analytical process. 27 Therefore, we recommend choosing coders with a mix of relevant experiences so that they can challenge and contextualise each other’s interpretations based on their own perspectives and opinions ( box 3 ). We recommend including both coders who collected the data and those who are naive to it, if possible, given their different perspectives. We also recommend all coders review the summary memos from the reading step so that key concepts identified by those not involved in coding can be integrated into the analytical process. In practice, this review means coding the memos themselves and discussing them during the code development process. This approach ensures that the team considers a diversity of perspectives.

Coding teams in context

The recommendation to use multiple coders is a departure from Braun and Clarke. 28 29 When the views, experiences, and training of each coder (sometimes known as positionality) 30 are carefully considered, having multiple coders can enhance interpretation and enrich findings. When these perspectives are combined in a team setting, researchers can create shared meaning from the data. Along with the practical consideration of distributing the workload, 31 inclusion of these multiple perspectives increases the overall quality of the analysis by mitigating the impact of any one coder’s perspective. 30

Coding tools

Qualitative analysis software facilitates coding and managing large datasets but does not perform the analytical work. The researchers must perform the analysis themselves. Most programs support queries and collaborative coding by multiple users. 32 Important factors to consider when choosing software can include accessibility, cost, interoperability, the look and feel of code reports, and the ease of colour coding and merging codes. Coders can also use low tech solutions, including highlighters, word processors, or spreadsheets.

Drafting effective codes

To draft effective codes, we recommend that the coders review each document line by line. 33 As they progress, they can assign codes to segments of data representing passages of interest. 34 Coders can also assign multiple codes to the same passage. Consensus among coders on what constitutes a minimum or maximum amount of text for assigning a code is helpful. As a general rule, meaningful segments of text for coding are shorter than one paragraph, but longer than a few words. Coders should keep the study objective in mind when determining which data are relevant ( box 4 ).

Code types in context

Similar to Braun and Clarke’s approach, practical thematic analysis does not specify whether codes are based on what is evident from the data (sometimes known as semantic) or whether they are based on what can be inferred at a deeper level from the data (sometimes known as latent). 4 12 35 It also does not specify whether they are derived from the data (sometimes known as inductive) or determined ahead of time (sometimes known as deductive). 11 35 Instead, it should be noted that health services researchers conducting qualitative studies often adopt all these approaches to coding (sometimes known as hybrid analysis). 3

In practical thematic analysis, codes should be more descriptive than general categorical labels that simply group data with shared characteristics. At a minimum, codes should form a complete (or full) thought. An easy way to conceptualise full thought codes is as complete sentences with subjects and verbs ( table 1 ), although full sentence coding is not always necessary. With full thought codes, researchers think about the data more deeply and capture this insight in the codes. This coding facilitates the entire analytical process and is especially valuable when moving from codes to broader themes. Experienced qualitative researchers often intuitively use full thought or sentence codes, but this practice has not been explicitly articulated as a path to higher quality coding elsewhere in the literature. 6

Example transcript with codes used in practical thematic analysis 36

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Depending on the nature of the data, codes might either fall into flat categories or be arranged hierarchically. Flat categories are most common when the data deal with topics on the same conceptual level. In other words, one topic is not a subset of another topic. By contrast, hierarchical codes are more appropriate for concepts that naturally fall above or below each other. Hierarchical coding can also be a useful form of data management and might be necessary when working with a large or complex dataset. 5 Codes grouped into these categories can also make it easier to naturally transition into generating themes from the initial codes. 5 These decisions between flat versus hierarchical coding are part of the work of the coding team. In both cases, coders should ensure that their code structures are guided by their research questions.

Developing the codebook

A codebook is a shared document that lists code labels and comprehensive descriptions for each code, as well as examples observed within the data. Good code descriptions are precise and specific so that coders can consistently assign the same codes to relevant data or articulate why another coder would do so. Codebook development is iterative and involves input from the entire coding team. However, as those closest to the data, coders must resist undue influence, real or perceived, from other team members with conflicting opinions—it is important to mitigate the risk that more senior researchers, like principal investigators, exert undue influence on the coders’ perspectives.

In practical thematic analysis, coders begin codebook development by independently coding a small portion of the data, such as two to three transcripts or other units of analysis. Coders then individually produce their initial codebooks. This task will require them to reflect on, organise, and clarify codes. The coders then meet to reconcile the draft codebooks, which can often be difficult, as some coders tend to lump several concepts together while others will split them into more specific codes. Discussing disagreements and negotiating consensus are necessary parts of early data analysis. Once the codebook is relatively stable, we recommend soliciting input on the codes from all manuscript authors. Yet, coders must ultimately be empowered to finalise the details so that they are comfortable working with the codebook across a large quantity of data.

Assigning codes to the data

After developing the codebook, coders will use it to assign codes to the remaining data. While the codebook’s overall structure should remain constant, coders might continue to add codes corresponding to any new concepts observed in the data. If new codes are added, coders should review the data they have already coded and determine whether the new codes apply. Qualitative data analysis software can be useful for editing or merging codes.

We recommend that coders periodically compare their code occurrences ( box 5 ), with more frequent check-ins if substantial disagreements occur. In the event of large discrepancies in the codes assigned, coders should revise the codebook to ensure that code descriptions are sufficiently clear and comprehensive to support coding alignment going forward. Because coding is an iterative process, the team can adjust the codebook as needed. 5 28 29

Quantitative coding in context

Researchers should generally avoid reporting code counts in thematic analysis. However, counts can be a useful proxy in maintaining alignment between coders on key concepts. 26 In practice, therefore, researchers should make sure that all coders working on the same piece of data assign the same codes with a similar pattern and that their memoing and overall assessment of the data are aligned. 37 However, the frequency of a code alone is not an indicator of its importance. It is more important that coders agree on the most salient points in the data; reviewing and discussing summary memos can be helpful here. 5

Researchers might disagree on whether or not to calculate and report inter-rater reliability. We note that quantitative tests for agreement, such as kappa statistics or intraclass correlation coefficients, can be distracting and might not provide meaningful results in qualitative analyses. Similarly, Braun and Clarke argue that expecting perfect alignment on coding is inconsistent with the goal of co-constructing meaning. 28 29 Overall consensus on codes’ salience and contributions to themes is the most important factor.

Definition of themes

Themes are meta-constructs that rise above codes and unite the dataset ( box 6 , fig 2 ). They should be clearly evident, repeated throughout the dataset, and relevant to the research questions. 38 While codes are often explicit descriptions of the content in the dataset, themes are usually more conceptual and knit the codes together. 39 Some researchers hypothesise that theme development is loosely described in the literature because qualitative researchers simply intuit themes during the analytical process. 39 In practical thematic analysis, we offer a concrete process that should make developing meaningful themes straightforward.

Themes in context

According to Braun and Clarke, a theme “captures something important about the data in relation to the research question and represents some level of patterned response or meaning within the data set.” 4 Similarly, Braun and Clarke advise against themes as domain summaries. While different approaches can draw out themes from codes, the process begins by identifying patterns. 28 35 Like Braun and Clarke and others, we recommend that researchers consider the salience of certain themes, their prevalence in the dataset, and their keyness (ie, how relevant the themes are to the overarching research questions). 4 12 34

Use of themes in practical thematic analysis

Constructing meaningful themes

After coding all the data, each coder should independently reflect on the team’s summary memos (step 1), the codebook (step 2), and the coded data itself to develop draft themes (step 3). It can be illuminating for coders to review all excerpts associated with each code, so that they derive themes directly from the data. Researchers should remain focused on the research question during this step, so that themes have a clear relation with the overall project aim. Use of qualitative analysis software will make it easy to view each segment of data tagged with each code. Themes might neatly correspond to groups of codes. Or—more likely—they will unite codes and data in unexpected ways. A whiteboard or presentation slides might be helpful to organise, craft, and revise themes. We also provide a template for coproducing themes (supplemental material 3). As with codebook justification, team members will ideally produce individual drafts of the themes that they have identified in the data. They can then discuss these with the group and reach alignment or consensus on the final themes.

The team should ensure that all themes are salient, meaning that they are: supported by the data, relevant to the study objectives, and important. Similar to codes, themes are framed as complete thoughts or sentences, not categories. While codes and themes might appear to be similar to each other, the key distinction is that the themes represent a broader concept. Table 2 shows examples of codes and their corresponding themes from a previously published project that used practical thematic analysis. 36 Identifying three to four key themes that comprise a broader overarching theme is a useful approach. Themes can also have subthemes, if appropriate. 40 41 42 43 44

Example codes with themes in practical thematic analysis 36

Thematic analysis session

After each coder has independently produced draft themes, a carefully selected subset of the manuscript team meets for a thematic analysis session ( table 3 ). The purpose of this session is to discuss and reach alignment or consensus on the final themes. We recommend a session of three to five hours, either in-person or virtually.

Example agenda of thematic analysis session

The composition of the thematic analysis session team is important, as each person’s perspectives will shape the results. This group is usually a small subset of the broader research team, with three to seven individuals. We recommend that primary and senior authors work together to include people with diverse experiences related to the research topic. They should aim for a range of personalities and professional identities, particularly those of clinicians, trainees, patients, and care partners. At a minimum, all coders and primary and senior authors should participate in the thematic analysis session.

The session begins with each coder presenting their draft themes with supporting quotes from the data. 5 Through respectful and collaborative deliberation, the group will develop a shared set of final themes.

One team member facilitates the session. A firm, confident, and consistent facilitation style with good listening skills is critical. For practical reasons, this person is not usually one of the primary coders. Hierarchies in teams cannot be entirely flattened, but acknowledging them and appointing an external facilitator can reduce their impact. The facilitator can ensure that all voices are heard. For example, they might ask for perspectives from patient partners or more junior researchers, and follow up on comments from senior researchers to say, “We have heard your perspective and it is important; we want to make sure all perspectives in the room are equally considered.” Or, “I hear [senior person] is offering [x] idea, I’d like to hear other perspectives in the room.” The role of the facilitator is critical in the thematic analysis session. The facilitator might also privately discuss with more senior researchers, such as principal investigators and senior authors, the importance of being aware of their influence over others and respecting and eliciting the perspectives of more junior researchers, such as patients, care partners, and students.

To our knowledge, this discrete thematic analysis session is a novel contribution of practical thematic analysis. It helps efficiently incorporate diverse perspectives using the session agenda and theme coproduction template (supplemental material 3) and makes the process of constructing themes transparent to the entire research team.

Writing the report

We recommend beginning the results narrative with a summary of all relevant themes emerging from the analysis, followed by a subheading for each theme. Each subsection begins with a brief description of the theme and is illustrated with relevant quotes, which are contextualised and explained. The write-up should not simply be a list, but should contain meaningful analysis and insight from the researchers, including descriptions of how different stakeholders might have experienced a particular situation differently or unexpectedly.

In addition to weaving quotes into the results narrative, quotes can be presented in a table. This strategy is a particularly helpful when submitting to clinical journals with tight word count limitations. Quote tables might also be effective in illustrating areas of agreement and disagreement across stakeholder groups, with columns representing different groups and rows representing each theme or subtheme. Quotes should include an anonymous label for each participant and any relevant characteristics, such as role or gender. The aim is to produce rich descriptions. 5 We recommend against repeating quotations across multiple themes in the report, so as to avoid confusion. The template for coproducing themes (supplemental material 3) allows documentation of quotes supporting each theme, which might also be useful during report writing.

Visual illustrations such as a thematic map or figure of the findings can help communicate themes efficiently. 4 36 42 44 If a figure is not possible, a simple list can suffice. 36 Both must clearly present the main themes with subthemes. Thematic figures can facilitate confirmation that the researchers’ interpretations reflect the study populations’ perspectives (sometimes known as member checking), because authors can invite discussions about the figure and descriptions of findings and supporting quotes. 46 This process can enhance the validity of the results. 46

In supplemental material 4, we provide additional guidance on reporting thematic analysis consistent with COREQ. 18 Commonly used in health services research, COREQ outlines a standardised list of items to be included in qualitative research reports ( box 7 ).

Reporting in context

We note that use of COREQ or any other reporting guidelines does not in itself produce high quality work and should not be used as a substitute for general methodological rigor. Rather, researchers must consider rigor throughout the entire research process. As the issue of how to conceptualise and achieve rigorous qualitative research continues to be debated, 47 48 we encourage researchers to explicitly discuss how they have looked at methodological rigor in their reports. Specifically, we point researchers to Braun and Clarke’s 2021 tool for evaluating thematic analysis manuscripts for publication (“Twenty questions to guide assessment of TA [thematic analysis] research quality”). 16

Avoiding common pitfalls

Awareness of common mistakes can help researchers avoid improper use of qualitative methods. Improper use can, for example, prevent researchers from developing meaningful themes and can risk drawing inappropriate conclusions from the data. Braun and Clarke also warn of poor quality in qualitative research, noting that “coherence and integrity of published research does not always hold.” 16

Weak themes

An important distinction between high and low quality themes is that high quality themes are descriptive and complete thoughts. As such, they often contain subjects and verbs, and can be expressed as full sentences ( table 2 ). Themes that are simply descriptive categories or topics could fail to impart meaningful knowledge beyond categorisation. 16 49 50

Researchers will often move from coding directly to writing up themes, without performing the work of theming or hosting a thematic analysis session. Skipping concerted theming often results in themes that look more like categories than unifying threads across the data.

Unfocused analysis

Because data collection for qualitative research is often semi-structured (eg, interviews, focus groups), not all data will be directly relevant to the research question at hand. To avoid unfocused analysis and a correspondingly unfocused manuscript, we recommend that all team members keep the research objective in front of them at every stage, from reading to coding to theming. During the thematic analysis session, we recommend that the research question be written on a whiteboard so that all team members can refer back to it, and so that the facilitator can ensure that conversations about themes occur in the context of this question. Consistently focusing on the research question can help to ensure that the final report directly answers it, as opposed to the many other interesting insights that might emerge during the qualitative research process. Such insights can be picked up in a secondary analysis if desired.

Inappropriate quantification

Presenting findings quantitatively (eg, “We found 18 instances of participants mentioning safety concerns about the vaccines”) is generally undesirable in practical thematic analysis reporting. 51 Descriptive terms are more appropriate (eg, “participants had substantial concerns about the vaccines,” or “several participants were concerned about this”). This descriptive presentation is critical because qualitative data might not be consistently elicited across participants, meaning that some individuals might share certain information while others do not, simply based on how conversations evolve. Additionally, qualitative research does not aim to draw inferences outside its specific sample. Emphasising numbers in thematic analysis can lead to readers incorrectly generalising the findings. Although peer reviewers unfamiliar with thematic analysis often request this type of quantification, practitioners of practical thematic analysis can confidently defend their decision to avoid it. If quantification is methodologically important, we recommend simultaneously conducting a survey or incorporating standardised interview techniques into the interview guide. 11

Neglecting group dynamics

Researchers should concertedly consider group dynamics in the research team. Particular attention should be paid to power relations and the personality of team members, which can include aspects such as who most often speaks, who defines concepts, and who resolves disagreements that might arise within the group. 52

The perspectives of patient and care partners are particularly important to cultivate. Ideally, patient partners are meaningfully embedded in studies from start to finish, not just for practical thematic analysis. 53 Meaningful engagement can build trust, which makes it easier for patient partners to ask questions, request clarification, and share their perspectives. Professional team members should actively encourage patient partners by emphasising that their expertise is critically important and valued. Noting when a patient partner might be best positioned to offer their perspective can be particularly powerful.

Insufficient time allocation

Researchers must allocate enough time to complete thematic analysis. Working with qualitative data takes time, especially because it is often not a linear process. As the strength of thematic analysis lies in its ability to make use of the rich details and complexities of the data, we recommend careful planning for the time required to read and code each document.

Estimating the necessary time can be challenging. For step 1 (reading), researchers can roughly calculate the time required based on the time needed to read and reflect on one piece of data. For step 2 (coding), the total amount of time needed can be extrapolated from the time needed to code one document during codebook development. We also recommend three to five hours for the thematic analysis session itself, although coders will need to independently develop their draft themes beforehand. Although the time required for practical thematic analysis is variable, teams should be able to estimate their own required effort with these guidelines.

Practical thematic analysis builds on the foundational work of Braun and Clarke. 4 16 We have reframed their six phase process into three condensed steps of reading, coding, and theming. While we have maintained important elements of Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis, we believe that practical thematic analysis is conceptually simpler and easier to teach to less experienced researchers and non-researcher stakeholders. For teams with different levels of familiarity with qualitative methods, this approach presents a clear roadmap to the reading, coding, and theming of qualitative data. Our practical thematic analysis approach promotes efficient learning by doing—experiential learning. 12 29 Practical thematic analysis avoids the risk of relying on complex descriptions of methods and theory and places more emphasis on obtaining meaningful insights from those close to real world clinical environments. Although practical thematic analysis can be used to perform intensive theory based analyses, it lends itself more readily to accelerated, pragmatic approaches.

Strengths and limitations

Our approach is designed to smooth the qualitative analysis process and yield high quality themes. Yet, researchers should note that poorly performed analyses will still produce low quality results. Practical thematic analysis is a qualitative analytical approach; it does not look at study design, data collection, or other important elements of qualitative research. It also might not be the right choice for every qualitative research project. We recommend it for applied health services research questions, where diverse perspectives and simplicity might be valuable.

We also urge researchers to improve internal validity through triangulation methods, such as member checking (supplemental material 1). 46 Member checking could include soliciting input on high level themes, theme definitions, and quotations from participants. This approach might increase rigor.

Implications

We hope that by providing clear and simple instructions for practical thematic analysis, a broader range of researchers will be more inclined to use these methods. Increased transparency and familiarity with qualitative approaches can enhance researchers’ ability to both interpret qualitative studies and offer up new findings themselves. In addition, it can have usefulness in training and reporting. A major strength of this approach is to facilitate meaningful inclusion of patient and care partner perspectives, because their lived experiences can be particularly valuable in data interpretation and the resulting findings. 11 30 As clinicians are especially pressed for time, they might also appreciate a practical set of instructions that can be immediately used to leverage their insights and access to patients and clinical settings, and increase the impact of qualitative research through timely results. 8

Practical thematic analysis is a simplified approach to performing thematic analysis in health services research, a field where the experiences of patients, care partners, and clinicians are of inherent interest. We hope that it will be accessible to those individuals new to qualitative methods, including patients, care partners, clinicians, and other health services researchers. We intend to empower multidisciplinary research teams to explore unanswered questions and make new, important, and rigorous contributions to our understanding of important clinical and health systems research.

Acknowledgments

All members of the Coproduction Laboratory provided input that shaped this manuscript during laboratory meetings. We acknowledge advice from Elizabeth Carpenter-Song, an expert in qualitative methods.

Coproduction Laboratory group contributors: Stephanie C Acquilano ( http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1215-5531 ), Julie Doherty ( http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5279-6536 ), Rachel C Forcino ( http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9938-4830 ), Tina Foster ( http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6239-4031 ), Megan Holthoff, Christopher R Jacobs ( http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5324-8657 ), Lisa C Johnson ( http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7448-4931 ), Elaine T Kiriakopoulos, Kathryn Kirkland ( http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9851-926X ), Meredith A MacMartin ( http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6614-6091 ), Emily A Morgan, Eugene Nelson, Elizabeth O’Donnell, Brant Oliver ( http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7399-622X ), Danielle Schubbe ( http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9858-1805 ), Gabrielle Stevens ( http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9001-178X ), Rachael P Thomeer ( http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5974-3840 ).

Contributors: Practical thematic analysis, an approach designed for multidisciplinary health services teams new to qualitative research, was based on CHS’s experiences teaching thematic analysis to clinical teams and students. We have drawn heavily from qualitative methods literature. CHS is the guarantor of the article. CHS, AS, CvP, AMK, JRK, and JAP contributed to drafting the manuscript. AS, JG, CMM, JAP, and RWY provided feedback on their experiences using practical thematic analysis. CvP, LCL, SLB, AVC, GE, and JKL advised on qualitative methods in health services research, given extensive experience. All authors meaningfully edited the manuscript content, including AVC and RKS. The corresponding author attests that all listed authors meet authorship criteria and that no others meeting the criteria have been omitted.

Funding: This manuscript did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Competing interests: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form at https://www.icmje.org/disclosure-of-interest/ and declare: no support from any organisation for the submitted work; no financial relationships with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years; no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Provenance and peer review: Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

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How it works

Thematic Analysis – A Guide with Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at August 16th, 2021 , Revised On August 29, 2023

Thematic analysis is one of the most important types of analysis used for qualitative data . When researchers have to analyse audio or video transcripts, they give preference to thematic analysis. A researcher needs to look keenly at the content to identify the context and the message conveyed by the speaker.

Moreover, with the help of this analysis, data can be simplified.

Importance of Thematic Analysis

Thematic analysis has so many unique and dynamic features, some of which are given below:

Thematic analysis is used because:

It is flexible.
It is best for complex data sets.
It is applied to qualitative data sets.
It takes less complexity compared to other theories of analysis.

Intellectuals and researchers give preference to thematic analysis due to its effectiveness in the research.

How to Conduct a Thematic Analysis?

While doing any research , if your data and procedure are clear, it will be easier for your reader to understand how you concluded the results . This will add much clarity to your research.

Understand the Data

This is the first step of your thematic analysis. At this stage, you have to understand the data set. You need to read the entire data instead of reading the small portion. If you do not have the data in the textual form, you have to transcribe it.

Example: If you are visiting an adult dating website, you have to make a data corpus. You should read and re-read the data and consider several profiles. It will give you an idea of how adults represent themselves on dating sites. You may get the following results:

I am a tall, single(widowed), easy-going, honest, good listener with a good sense of humor. Being a handyperson, I keep busy working around the house, and I also like to follow my favourite hockey team on TV or spoil my two granddaughters when I get the chance!! Enjoy most music except Rap! I keep fit by jogging, walking, and bicycling (at least three times a week). I have travelled to many places and RVD the South-West U.S., but I would now like to find that special travel partner to do more travel to warm and interesting countries. I now feel it’s time to meet a nice, kind, honest woman who has some of the same interests as I do; to share the happy times, quiet times, and adventures together

I enjoy photography, lapidary & seeking collectibles in the form of classic movies & 33 1/3, 45 & 78 RPM recordings from the 1920s, ’30s & ’40s. I am retired & looking forward to travelling to Canada, the USA, the UK & Europe, China. I am unique since I do not judge a book by its cover. I accept people for who they are. I will not demand or request perfection from anyone until I am perfect, so I guess that means everyone is safe. My musical tastes range from Classical, big band era, early jazz, classic ’50s & 60’s rock & roll & country since its inception.

Development of Initial Coding:

At this stage, you have to do coding. It’s the essential step of your research . Here you have two options for coding. Either you can do the coding manually or take the help of any tool. A software named the NOVIC is considered the best tool for doing automatic coding.

For manual coding, you can follow the steps given below:

Please write down the data in a proper format so that it can be easier to proceed.
Use a highlighter to highlight all the essential points from data.
Make as many points as possible.
Take notes very carefully at this stage.
Apply themes as much possible.
Now check out the themes of the same pattern or concept.
Turn all the same themes into the single one.

Example: For better understanding, the previously explained example of Step 1 is continued here. You can observe the coded profiles below:

Profile No.	Data Item	Initial Codes
1	I am a tall, single(widowed), easy-going, honest, good listener with a good sense of humour. Being a handyperson, I keep busy working around the house; I also like to follow my favourite hockey team on TV or spoiling my two granddaughters when I get the chance!! I enjoy most music except for Rap! I keep fit by jogging, walking, and bicycling(at least three times a week). I have travelled to many places and RVD the South-West U.S., but I would now like to find that special travel partner to do more travel to warm and interesting countries. I now feel it’s time to meet a nice, kind, honest woman who has some of the same interests as I do; to share the happy times, quiet times and adventures together.	Physical description Widowed Positive qualities Humour Keep busy Hobbies Family Music Active Travel Plans Partner qualities Plans

Profile No.	Data Item	Initial Codes
2	I enjoy photography, lapidary & seeking collectables in the form of classic movies & 33 1/3, 45 & 78 RPM recordings from the 1920s, ’30s & ’40s. I am retired & looking forward to travelling to Canada, the USA, the UK & Europe, China. I am unique since I do not judge a book by its cover. I accept people for who they are. I will not demand or request perfection from anyone until I am perfect, so I guess that means everyone is safe. My musical tastes range from Classical, big band era, early jazz, classic ’50s & 60’s rock & roll & country since its inception.	HobbiesFuture plans Travel Unique Values Humour Music

Profile No.

Data Item

Initial Codes

I enjoy photography, lapidary & seeking collectables in the form of classic movies & 33 1/3, 45 & 78 RPM recordings from the 1920s, ’30s & ’40s. I am retired & looking forward to travelling to Canada, the USA, the UK & Europe, China. I am unique since I do not judge a book by its cover. I accept people for who they are. I will not demand or request perfection from anyone until I am perfect, so I guess that means everyone is safe. My musical tastes range from Classical, big band era, early jazz, classic ’50s & 60’s rock & roll & country since its inception.

HobbiesFuture plans

Travel

Unique

Values

Humour

Music

Make Themes

At this stage, you have to make the themes. These themes should be categorised based on the codes. All the codes which have previously been generated should be turned into themes. Moreover, with the help of the codes, some themes and sub-themes can also be created. This process is usually done with the help of visuals so that a reader can take an in-depth look at first glance itself.

Extracted Data Review

Now you have to take an in-depth look at all the awarded themes again. You have to check whether all the given themes are organised properly or not. It would help if you were careful and focused because you have to note down the symmetry here. If you find that all the themes are not coherent, you can revise them. You can also reshape the data so that there will be symmetry between the themes and dataset here.

For better understanding, a mind-mapping example is given here:

Reviewing all the Themes Again

You need to review the themes after coding them. At this stage, you are allowed to play with your themes in a more detailed manner. You have to convert the bigger themes into smaller themes here. If you want to combine some similar themes into a single theme, then you can do it. This step involves two steps for better fragmentation.

You need to observe the coded data separately so that you can have a precise view. If you find that the themes which are given are following the dataset, it’s okay. Otherwise, you may have to rearrange the data again to coherence in the coded data.

Corpus Data

Here you have to take into consideration all the corpus data again. It would help if you found how themes are arranged here. It would help if you used the visuals to check out the relationship between them. Suppose all the things are not done accordingly, so you should check out the previous steps for a refined process. Otherwise, you can move to the next step. However, make sure that all the themes are satisfactory and you are not confused.

When all the two steps are completed, you need to make a more précised mind map. An example following the previous cases has been given below:

Define all the Themes here

Now you have to define all the themes which you have given to your data set. You can recheck them carefully if you feel that some of them can fit into one concept, you can keep them, and eliminate the other irrelevant themes. Because it should be precise and clear, there should not be any ambiguity. Now you have to think about the main idea and check out that all the given themes are parallel to your main idea or not. This can change the concept for you.

The given names should be so that it can give any reader a clear idea about your findings. However, it should not oppose your thematic analysis; rather, everything should be organised accurately.

Does your Research Methodology Have the Following?

Great Research/Sources
Perfect Language
Accurate Sources

If not, we can help. Our panel of experts makes sure to keep the 3 pillars of Research Methodology strong.

Does your Research Methodology Have the Following?

Also, read about discourse analysis , content analysis and survey conducting . we have provided comprehensive guides.

Make a Report

You need to make the final report of all the findings you have done at this stage. You should include the dataset, findings, and every aspect of your analysis in it.

While making the final report , do not forget to consider your audience. For instance, you are writing for the Newsletter, Journal, Public awareness, etc., your report should be according to your audience. It should be concise and have some logic; it should not be repetitive. You can use the references of other relevant sources as evidence to support your discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by thematic analysis.

Thematic Analysis is a qualitative research method that involves identifying, analyzing, and interpreting recurring themes or patterns in data. It aims to uncover underlying meanings, ideas, and concepts within the dataset, providing insights into participants’ perspectives and experiences.

What Is the Theme of a Research Paper?

How to Write a Motif Paper

The term "theme" is a small word, but it can intimidate students when they see it on an assignment or test. To overcome the fear and develop confidence, especially with regard to research papers, understand what the word means and see the parallels with any work, including poems, essays, plays, novels and movies.

“Theme” Defined

A theme is a major and sometimes recurring idea, subject or topic that appears in a written work. A dominant theme usually reveals what the work is really about and can be helpful in forming insights and analysis. A theme can consist of one word, two words or more. For example, your teacher might ask you to explore the straightforward ideas of “anger” or “selfishness” or more complex themes of “emotional intelligence” or “conflicted emotions.” Either way, careful reading of the work is vital so that you can marshal examples of where the theme was apparent.

Examples in Research

Themes in research papers might require a little digging, but they are there. Sometimes they are easier to spot when several research papers on the same subject are compared or contrasted, for this is when such subtext emerges. For example, three research papers on the subject of avid TV viewing by teenagers might contain different themes, such as simpler ideas including “passivity” or "grades" or a more complex theme, such as “effects on familial relationships.”

Seize the Opportunity

Once you've identified the theme of a research paper or papers, seize the opportunity and analyze it. Say that you like the idea of exploring how avid TV viewing -- more than four hours per day -- affects teens' grades. Further, suppose that researchers are in general agreement about the correlation but cast a wide net in terms of how they define “passivity.” You might set up a thematic segue for a research paper by saying, “Researchers continue to debate how to define passivity in teens and reach across the spectrum to include the number of hours per day they spend in solitude, the number of people they count as close friends and their lack of interest in hobbies and extracurricular activities.” Then you would take each of these ideas and expound in greater detail.

What Is the Theme for a Ballad?

What Is a Theme Statement?

What Are Literal & Inferential Questions?

Tips on Writing an Explication Paper on a Short Story

How to Write a Comparative Analytical Essay

What Does Abstract Thinking Mean?

The Functions of Conjunctions in English Argumentative Writing

What Is a Descriptive Paragraph?

The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers; Maxine Hairston and John Ruszkiewicz.
The New St. Martin’s Handbook; Andrea Lunsford and Robert Connors.
Purdue University: Online Writing Lab: Writing in Literature: Writing the Prompt Paper
Queens College: Research Papers

With education, health care and small business marketing as her core interests, M.T. Wroblewski has penned pieces for Woman's Day, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal and many newspapers and magazines. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University.

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Topical themes and thematic progression: the “picture” of research articles

Leong Ping Alvin lectures at the Language and Communication Centre, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He obtained his PhD degree from the National University of Singapore in 2001 under a research scholarship. His book-length publications include Transforming Literacies and Language (co-editor; Continuum, 2011) and Theme and Rheme (Peter Lang, 2004). His research interests are in systemic-functional grammar, discourse analysis, and literacy studies.

Although much has been written about the features of academic writing, there is a lack of research attention on macro issues related to the development of ideas, particularly in the writing of research articles. A concept that is useful in investigating such issues is the Hallidayan notion of theme. However, the thematic structure of research articles has received only modest attention over the years. It is also rare for thematic diagrams to be used even though they can be helpful in clarifying the thematic structure of the text. In this exploratory study, the patterning of topical themes in research articles was investigated using a diagrammatic approach. Twenty biology-related research articles were divided into t-units and analyzed for topical themes. Thematic diagrams were generated for all the articles. The diagrams revealed a progressive thematic pattern in the introduction sections of all the articles. At the whole-text level, an anchored-development pattern was observed in the majority of the articles. These findings suggest that research articles at the macro level share similarities in their thematic structure. They also shed light on how authors achieve focus in the writing through the systematic use of clause-initial elements.

About the author

Appendix: articles analyzed in the study, articles from database.

Hishigaki, Haretsugu & Satoru Kuhara. 2011. hERGAPDbase: A database documenting hERG channel inhibitory potentials and APD-prolongation activities of chemical compounds. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/bar017.

Green, Jason M., Jaturon Harnsomburana, Mary L. Schaeffer, Carolyn J. Lawrence & Chi-Ren Shyu. 2011. Multi-source and ontology-based retrieval engine for maize mutant phenotypes. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/bar012.

Harper, Lisa C., Mary L. Schaeffer, Jordan Thistle, Jack M. Gardiner, Carson M. Andorf, Darwin A. Campbell, Ethalinda K. S. Cannon, Bremen L. Braun, Scott M. Birkett, Carolyn J. Lawrence & Taner Z. Sen. 2011. The MaizeGDB genome browser tutorial: One example of database outreach to biologists via video. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/bar016.

Visendi, Paul, Wanjiku Ng’ang’a, Wallace Bulimo, Richard Bishop, James Ochanda & Etienne P. de Villiers. 2011. TparvaDB: A database to support Theileria parva vaccine development. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/bar015.

Williams, G. W., P. A. Davis, A. S. Rogers, T. Bieri, P. Ozersky & J. Spieth. 2011. Methods and strategies for gene structure curation in WormBase. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/baq039.

Blankenberg, Daniel, Nathan Coraor, Gregory Von Kuster, James Taylor & Anton Nekrutenko. 2011. Integrating diverse databases into an unified analysis framework: A Galaxy approach. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/bar011.

Vellozo, Augusto F., Amélie S. Véron, Patrice Baa-Puyoulet, Jaime Huerta-Cepas, Ludovic Cottret, Gérard Febvay, Federica Calevro, Yvan Rahbé, Angela E. Douglas, Toni Gabaldón, Marie-France Sagot, Hubert Charles & Stefano Colella. 2011. CycADS: An annotation database system to ease the development and update of BioCyc databases. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/bar008.

Magrane, Michele & UniProt Consortium. 2011. UniProt Knowledgebase: A hub of integrated protein data. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/bar009.

Costanzo, Maria C., Julie Park, Rama Balakrishnan, J. Michael Cherry & Eurie L. Hong. 2011. Using computational predictions to improve literature-based Gene Ontology annotations: A feasibility study. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/bar004.

Bluhm, Wolfgang F., Bojan Beran, Chunxiao Bi, Dimitris Dimitropoulos, Andreas Prlić, Gregory B. Quinn, Peter W. Rose, Chaitali Shah, Jasmine Young, Benjamin Yukich, Helen M. Berman & Philip E. Bourne. 2011. Quality assurance for the query and distribution systems of the RCSB protein data bank. Database 2011. doi: 10.1093/database/bar003.

Articles from DNA Research

Chi, Yunhua, Yansong Cheng, Jeevanandam Vanitha, Nadimuthu Kumar, Rengasamy Ramamoorthy, Srinivasan Ramachandran & Shu-Ye Jiang. 2011. Expansion mechanisms and functional divergence of the glutathione s-transferase family in sorghum and other higher plants. DNA Research 18(1). 1–16.

Le, Dung Tien, Rie Nishiyama, Yasuko Watanabe, Keiichi Mochida, Kazuko Yamaguchi-Shinozaki, Kazuo Shinozaki & Lam-Son Phan Tran. 2011. Genome-wide expression profiling of soybean two-component system genes in soybean root and shoot tissues under dehydration stress. DNA Research 18(1). 17–29.

Kenny, Elaine M., Paul Cormican, William P. Gilks, Amy S. Gates, Colm T. O’Dushlaine, Carlos Pinto, Aiden P. Corvin, Michael Gill & Derek W. Morris. 2011. Multiplex target enrichment using DNA indexing for ultra-high throughput SNP detection. DNA Research 18(1). 31–38.

Satbhai, Santosh B., Takafumi Yamashino, Ryo Okada, Yuji Nomoto, Takeshi Mizuno, Yuki Tezuka, Tomonori Itoh, Mitsuru Tomita, Susumu Otsuki & Setsuyuki Aoki. 2011. Pseudo-response regulator (PRR) homologues of the moss physcomitrella patens: Insights into the evolution of the PRR family in land plants. DNA Research 18(1). 39–52.

Garg, Rohini, Ravi K. Patel, Akhilesh K. Tyagi & Mukesh Jain. 2011. De novo assembly of chickpea transcriptome using short reads for gene discovery and marker identification. DNA Research 18(1). 53–63.

Sato, Shusei, Hideki Hirakawa, Sachiko Isobe, Eigo Fukai, Akiko Watanabe, Midori Kato, Kumiko Kawashima, Chiharu Minami, Akiko Muraki, Naomi Nakazaki, Chika Takahashi, Shinobu Nakayama, Yoshie Kishida, Mitsuyo Kohara, Manabu Yamada, Hisano Tsuruoka, Shigemi Sasamoto, Satoshi Tabata, Tomoyuki Aizu, Atsushi Toyoda, Tadasu Shin-i, Yohei Minakuchi, Yuji Kohara, Asao Fujiyama, Suguru Tsuchimoto, Shin’ichiro Kajiyama, Eri Makigano, Nobuko Ohmido, Nakako Shibagaki, Joyce A. Cartagena, Naoki Wada, Tsutomu Kohinata, Alipour Atefeh, Shota Yuasa, Sachihiro Matsunaga & Kiichi Fukui. 2011. Sequence analysis of the genome of an oil-bearing tree, Jatropha Curcas L. DNA Research 18(1). 65–76.

Gourcilleau, Delphine, Catherine Lenne, Claudia Armenise, Bruno Moulia, Jean-Louis Julien, Gisèle Bronner & Nathalie Leblanc-Fournier. 2011. Phylogenetic study of plant q-type C2H2 zinc finger proteins and expression analysis of poplar genes in response to osmotic, cold, and mechanical stresses. DNA Research 18(2). 77–92.

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A literature review examines existing contributions around a topic, question, or issue in a field of study. These contributions can include peer reviewed articles, books, and other published research. Literature reviews can be used to give an overview of a field of research to describe theories, explore methodologies, and discuss developments in a field by drawing on research from multiple studies.

A literature review can be used to:

Ground yourself in a topic and learn more about it
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What makes a good literature review?

A good literature review has a clear scope - don't try to collect everything about a topic that has ever been published! Instead focus in on what you want to know more about your specific research topic. A good literature review might also:

Cover all important relevant literature - if you are finding too many sources, try narrowing in on key authors and well cited-research
Is up-to-date - limit your review to a certain time period
Provide an insightful analysis of the ideas and conclusions in the literature
Point out similarities and differences, strengths and weaknesses in the literature
Identify gaps in the literature for future research - or to set up your own research as relevant!
Provides the context for which the literature is important - what impact does the literature have on countries, people, industries, etc.
Systematic Review: AI's Impact on Higher Education - Learning, Teaching, and Career Opportunities Review this example to learn one way a literature review can be written.

A well conducted literature review can set up your final research product. Many researchers will write literature reviews at the beginning of their research article to situate their research within the larger context in their field or topic. This demonstrates that they have awareness of their topic and how they are building upon the topic. Keeping good notes when you are conducting your review can help set you up for success when you begin work on your final research product. When conducting your literature review AVOID:

Summarizing articles INSTEAD draw connections between different articles
Creating a chronological account of a topic INSTEAD focus on current literature or foundational works
Sharing personal opinions on whether or not you liked articles INSTEAD ask questions

A strong literature review organizes existing contributions to a conversation into categories or “themes.” There are multiple ways to approach targeting a literature review to achieve your specific learning goals. Common types of reviews include:

Traditional Review

Analyzes, synthesizes, and critiques a body of literature
Identifies patterns and themes in the literature
Draws conclusions from the literature
Identifies gaps in literature

Argumentative Review

Examines literature selectively in order to support or refuse an argument, assumption, or philosophical problem already established in the literature

Historical Review

Examines research throughout a period of time
Places research in a historical context

Integrative Review

Aims to review, critique, and synthesize literature on a topic in an integrated way that new frameworks and perspectives on the topic are generated
Might include case studies, observational studies, and meta-analysis, as well as other types of research

Methodological Review

Focuses on method of analysis (how researchers came to the idea) rather than on findings (their final conclusions and what they found)

Published literature reviews are called review articles, however, research articles often contain brief literature reviews at the beginning to give context to the study within that article.

By reviewing published literature reviews you can more easily ground yourself in a topic, it's main themes, and find relevant literature for your own review.

Tip: When identifying main themes related to your topic, look at the headers in a research article. Some authors choose to list their literature review themes as headers to organize their review. Others might choose to name their themes in the first few sentences of each paragraph in their review. Sometimes a literature review, especially if it is brief, will be included in the introduction or some other beginning part of the article.

Approaching a Literature Review

Evidenced-based approach

An Evidence-Based Management Framework can help direct your literature review process.

"Evidence-Based" is a term that was originally coined in the 1990s in the field of medicine, but today its principles extend across disciplines as varied as education, social work, public work, and management. Evidence-Based Management focuses on improving decision-making process.

While conducting a literature review, we need to gather evidence and summarize it to support our decisions and conclusions regarding the topic or problem. We recommend you use a 4 step approach of the Evidence-Based Management Framework while working on a literature review.

During the "Ask" step , you need to define a specific topic, thesis, problem, or research question that your literature review will be focusing on.

It may require first to gain some knowledge about the area or discipline that your topic, thesis, problem, or research question originate from. At this moment, think about a type of a literature review you plan to work on. For example are you reviewing the literature to educate yourself on a topic, to plan to write a literature review article, or to prepare to situate your research project within the broader literature?

Use this to determine the scope of your literature review and the type of publications you need to use (e.g., journals, books, governmental documents, conference proceedings, dissertations, training materials, and etc.).

A few other questions you might ask are:

Is my topic, question, or problem narrowed enough to exclude irrelevant material?
What is the number of sources to use to fulfill the research need and represent the scope? i.e. is the topic narrow enough that you want to find everything that exists or broad enough that you only want to see what a few experts have to say?
What facets of a topic are the focus? Am I looking at issues of theory? methodology? policy? quantitative research? or qualitative research?

During the “Acquire” step , you are actively gathering evidence and information that relates to your topic or problem.

This is when you search for related scholarly articles, books, dissertations, and etc. to see “what has been done” and “what we already know” about the topic or problem. While doing a literature review in business, you may also find it helpful to review various websites such as professional associations, government websites offering industry data, companies’ data, conference proceedings, or training materials. It may increase your understanding about the current state of the knowledge in your topic or problem.

During this step, you should keep a careful records of the literature and website resources you review.

During the “Appraise” step, you actively evaluate the sources used to acquire the information. To make decisions regarding the relevance and trustworthiness of the sources and information, you can ask the following questions:

Is the source reputable? (e.g., peer-reviewed journals and government websites typically offer more trustworthy information)
How old (dated) is the source? Is it still current, or is there newer updated information that you might be able to find?
How closely does the source match the topic / problem / issue you are researching?

During this step, you may decide to eliminate some of the material you gathered during the “Acquire” step . Similarly, you may find that you need to engage in additional searches to find information that suits your needs. This is normal—the process of the "Appraisal" step often uncovers new keywords and new potential sources.

During the “Aggregate” step , you “pull together” the information you deemed trustworthy and relevant. The information gathered and evaluated needs to be summarized in a narrative form—a summary of your findings.

While summarizing and aggregating information, use synthesis language like this:

Much of the literature on [topic X] focuses on [major themes] .
In recent years, researchers have begun investigating [facets A, B, and C] of [topic X] .
The studies in this review of [topic X] confirm / suggest / call into question / support [idea / practice / finding / method / theory / guideline Y].
In the reviewed studies [variable X] was generally associated with higher / lower rates of [outcome Y].
A limitation of some / most / all of these studies is [Y].
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v.16(8); 2024 Aug
PMC11393725

Exploring the Frontiers of Health Tourism: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Themes and Trends

Alan lukose.

1 Department of Commerce, Prajyoti Niketan College, Pudukad, Thrissur, IND

Sajan N Thomas

2 Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Marian College Kuttikkanam Autonomous, Kuttikkanam, IND

Gibin Jacob

3 Department of Commerce, St. Paul’s College Kalamassery, Kalamassery, IND

Bobby Simon

4 Department of Commerce, St. Thomas College, Pala, Palai, IND

Health tourism, encompassing both wellness and medical tourism, serves individuals seeking preventive care, relaxation, and medical treatments in diverse global destinations. This bibliometric study leverages Scopus for bibliographic data to analyze the scientific production in health tourism. The analysis, conducted using Biblioshiny and CiteSpace, focuses on annual scientific production, identifies the most productive authors, and highlights the most relevant sources. Additionally, the study examines countries’ scientific outputs and provides a historiographic overview of the field. Trend topics and thematic maps visualize the evolution of research themes, while keywords with the strongest citation bursts are identified. Co-citation analysis reveals influential works and collaborations, and a timeline view of country collaborations illustrates the global research network. The study concludes that while health tourism research has significantly expanded, there is a need for longitudinal studies on long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the integration of wellness and medical services, as well as the exploration of ethical and legal frameworks, remain underdeveloped. Practical implications suggest that policymakers should focus on developing uniform regulations and resilient practices to enhance the sustainability and attractiveness of health tourism. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of health tourism research, highlighting critical areas for further investigation.

Introduction and background

Health tourism is an exciting phenomenon that encompasses both wellness and medical tourism, dealing with dimensions of health [ 1 , 2 ]. Wellness tourism includes physical, mental, emotional, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual health, referenced by activities focused on the prevention and promotion of health through fitness, prevention and promotion of health through nutrition, relaxation, indulgence, and healing treatments. Some of the popular spots are Iceland, Hawaii, Bali, and Thailand [ 3 - 5 ]. In contrast, medical tourism entails traveling in search of evidence-based medical services, either invasive or non-invasive, for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation [ 3 , 6 ]. All of these activities take place away from home and are driven by the urge to have affordable and accessible medical procedures unavailable in their countries. These popular destinations include Turkey, India, and Thailand. These approaches make tourism very versatile. Health tourism, driven by increasing awareness of health and a priority on well-being through relaxation and medical care, is very appealing [ 7 ].

Countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, and Turkey are more favored due to the blend of good healthcare services and lower costs. Often, these countries use marketing investments directed at their health services to attract a vast number of international patients [ 8 , 9 ]. For many patients, treatments abroad can be significantly cheaper compared to those sought locally, especially for procedures not covered by their home country’s national health insurance or those that involve high out-of-pocket expenses due to limited or no insurance coverage [ 3 ]. Besides, some destinations are also gaining popularity for offering specific kinds of treatments or therapies that are cutting-edge or difficult to access in a patient’s home country. These include state-of-the-art surgeries, alternative medicine, and holistic treatments [ 8 , 10 ]. Mexico has become a popular destination for medical tourists from the United States and Canada, offering affordable treatments, especially in dental care, cosmetic surgery, and bariatric surgery. The country’s proximity to North America, combined with its robust healthcare infrastructure, makes it an attractive option for patients seeking cost-effective treatments. Portugal, on the other hand, is gaining recognition for its wellness tourism, particularly in spa treatments and rehabilitation services. The country’s scenic landscapes, mild climate, and state-of-the-art facilities provide an ideal setting for patients seeking recovery and relaxation. Both countries have strategically invested in marketing their health services to attract a vast number of international patients, leveraging their unique strengths in the health tourism market.

Health tourism offers numerous benefits, including the promotion, stabilization, and restoration of physical, mental, and emotional health, which enhances overall life quality [ 11 ]. From an economic perspective, it is highly contributing to the development of countries because it provides alternative treatments, creates business activity, generates wealth, and provides employment opportunities, and thus is among the key sectors of the world economy [ 12 ]. Wellness tourism, in particular, aims to improve the quality of life through physically and psychologically healthier citizens with a cleaner environment [ 13 ]. Other than this, medical tourism provides private medical services at reasonable costs, thereby assisting patients in getting the latest treatments at relatively cheaper rates than their countries of origin [ 7 ]. For purposes of safety and security, governments and institutions need to confirm that health services are indeed factual to ensure a secure environment for health tourists [ 14 ].

The challenges of health tourism are multifaceted, involving diverse services and stakeholders, economic and policy issues, and sustainability concerns. In terms of services, contributions by private health units are enormous in areas such as dialysis, orthopedics, oncology, and gynecology [ 15 ]. Moreover, this also requires the integration of healthcare providers, government entities, and the tourism sector [ 16 ]. Critical challenges in economic and policy terms include how high-quality services can be offered at low costs, how touristic and cultural attractions might be exploited to maximum advantage, and how the climatological conditions might be used best to attract tourists [ 15 ]. More broadly, governments seek to foster economic growth while curtailing expenditure on public healthcare. Local perceptions of well-being are, however, often subordinated to the dictates of economics, which complicates sharing benefits equitably [ 17 ]. Hence, sustainable development in health tourism is supposed to cope with these environmental, social, and economic challenges [ 18 ]. Countries like India seek to balance their traditional and modern healthcare advantages against the hurdles to establish themselves as global healthcare destinations [ 2 ].

Bibliometric analysis is a valuable tool, applying the power of quantitative techniques to the academic literature to explain the situation in a specific realm of research [ 19 , 20 ]. This methodology identifies critical areas of research and influential studies, as well as emerging trends, by measures such as publication counts and citation patterns, including authorship networks [ 21 , 22 ]. Such an approach to health tourism would, therefore, be able to trace the evolution of research back to its path, underline the most prolific contributors, and identify the links between the various research themes.

The research questions for the bibliometric study on health tourism aim to explore several critical aspects of the field. What are the primary publication trends in health tourism research, and how have these trends evolved over time? Which authors and journals have had the most significant impact on the field of health tourism, and what are their main contributions? What are the key themes and topics that have emerged in health tourism research, and how have these themes evolved over the decades? What are the main geographical regions contributing to health tourism research, and how do collaboration patterns vary across different countries? Finally, what are the undiscovered research areas in the realm of health tourism research, and what implications do they have for future studies? These questions collectively aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development, influence, and future directions of health tourism research.

Methodology

To conduct a robust bibliometric analysis of health tourism, we employed advanced software tools such as Biblioshiny and CiteSpace. Biblioshiny, an open-source web application with a graphical user interface, facilitates bibliometric analysis and visualization within R, enabling users to explore publication data, perform descriptive analyses, and create scientific landscapes [ 23 , 24 ]. CiteSpace is another powerful tool used for visualizing and analyzing trends and patterns in scientific literature [ 25 , 26 ]. For this study, we utilized the Scopus database due to its comprehensiveness and wide coverage of peer-reviewed literature across disciplines [ 27 ]. Using the keywords “health tourism” OR “medical tourism” OR “wellness tourism,” we retrieved publications without any language restrictions, gathering 3,397 documents from 1,559 different sources spanning the years 1963 to 2024.

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach, a three-phase procedure, to select papers for bibliometric analysis. In the first phase, we identified and extracted data from the databases. The second phase involved excluding reviews, editorials, books, short notes, surveys, errata, and retracted articles, retaining only articles, conference papers, and book chapters. The data was saved as a CSV file for further analysis. Figure Figure1 1 illustrates the PRISMA approach used in this selection process. Subsequent analysis was performed using Biblioshiny and CiteSpace to examine annual scientific production, identify the most productive authors, and explore the sources related to our areas of interest. Our scrutiny of scientific publications worldwide allowed us to establish a historical record of what has been produced over time. Additionally, we presented trending topics through a thematic map, analyzed keywords with the strongest citation burst, examined co-cited literature, and visualized country collaboration on a timeline. These analyses provided valuable insights into shifting focus areas and emerging themes in health tourism research, as well as key publications shaping the field and global authorship collaboration.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is cureus-0016-00000066832-i01.jpg

Primary Information of the Investigation

Table Table1 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the bibliometric analysis of health tourism. The analysis spanned from 1963 to 2024, including a wide range of sources such as journals, books, and other types, totaling 1,559 sources. A total of 3,397 documents were analyzed, with an annual growth rate of 8.68%. These documents were, on average, 6.82 years old, indicating that the research is up-to-date. The average number of citations per document was 14.02 since the start, with a total of 113,311 references across all documents. The documents contained 8,438 Keywords Plus (ID) and 6,805 Author’s Keywords (DE), subsequently representing the breadth of subjects covered within health tourism research. This is based on an analysis of 8,196 authors (697 with single-authored documents). Of these documents, 814 were single-authored, and the average number of co-authors per document was lower at 3.06, indicating a collaborative research environment. Few were international co-authorships (17.9% of documents), reflecting the fact that health tourism research is a global effort. Concerning document types, the analysis involved 2,610 articles and 486 book chapters and conference papers (presenting a wide variety of publication types across fields). The data offer significant accounts of transformations from birth and shaping the health tourism research landscape, highlighting its trends in growth related to collaboration patterns or publication type diversities.

Description	Results
Main information about the data
Timespan	1963–2024
Sources (Journals, books, etc.)	1,559
Documents	3,397
Annual growth rate %	8.68
Document average age	6.82
Average citations per doc	14.02
References	113,311
Document contents
Keywords Plus (ID)	8,438
Author’s Keywords (DE)	6,805
Authors
Authors	8,196
Authors of single-authored docs	697
Authors’ collaboration
Single-authored docs	814
Co-Authors per Doc	3.06
International co-authorships %	17.9
Document types
Article	2,610
Book chapter	486
Conference paper	301

Annual Scientific Production

Figure Figure2 2 shows the overview of all publications on health tourism published from 1963 to 2024. Distinct trends are draftable across these decades. For example, the topic in its early years, 1963-1999, was minimally researched. Publications were few and far between, and there were many years of no activity. Remarkable years for publications were 1963, 1985, 1986, and 1988. From 2000 to 2009, there was a visible increase in articles, especially in 2006, with 16 and dramatic increases by 2009 to 62, which marked a rise in academic interest. Since 2010, there has been a rapid and continuously increasing trajectory of publications, peaking up to 327 articles in 2023 and 160 articles as of June 2024. The health tourism trend rapidly acquires prime importance in the academic and research fraternity due to globalization, improved health trajectories, and growing wellness and medical tourism interests.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is cureus-0016-00000066832-i02.jpg

Biblioshiny: https://www.bibliometrix.org/home/index.php/layout/biblioshiny.

Most Relevant Authors

Table Table2 2 presents some of the most relevant authors in health tourism research and brings out very insightful data about who has been leading contributions to the knowledge base. In this case, Crooks VA emerged as the most prolific author with 48 publications, denoting strong and sustained interest in health tourism, placing them at the center of the academic discourses. Snyder J follows closely in the second position with 47 publications, marking considerable influence and engagement in increasing inquiry and wisdom accumulation. Further, the critical contributor, Johnston R, has 29 publications, which suggests deep engagement and broad impact on the field. Medhekar A has 19 publications; his work played a significant role in shaping an understanding and developing health tourism research. Next is Ormond M, with 18 publications, making him very active and contributing to the diversity and depth of the area under study. Lunt N has 16 publications that position him as an essential voice, adding valuable insights into the discussion. Horsfall D, with 15 publications, enriches the academic landscape, while both Lee TJ and Turner l feature 14 publications, each of considerable value and breadth. Adams K has 13 publications to make a valuable contribution that underlines their role in developing health tourism research. All authors listed in this section have contributed extensive, impactful publications to help shape discourse, identify trends, and point out critical issues related to health tourism.

Author	Number of documents
Crooks VA	48
Snyder J	47
Johnston R	29
Medhekar A	19
Ormond M	18
Lunt N	16
Horsfall D	15
Lee TJ	14
Turner L	14
Adams K	13

Most Relevant Sources

Table Table3 3 lists the most impactful journals in the field of health tourism based on the number of articles published. Leading the list is Sustainability (Switzerland), which has 55 articles, indicating a strong focus on sustainable practices within the health tourism sector. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health follows with 41 articles showing significant engagement with environmental and public health perspectives in health tourism. The International Journal of Spa and Wellness and Tourism Management has published 34 articles each, highlighting their roles in wellness tourism and management practices. The Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites, with 33 articles, contributes extensively to geographical and site-specific tourism research. Social Science and Medicine, with 31 articles, integrates social science perspectives with medical tourism. The Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, with 30 articles, emphasizes the marketing aspects of travel and health tourism. Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics has 29 articles focusing on health tourism’s business and economic dimensions. The Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research and the International Journal of Tourism Research have 24 articles each, contributing to regional and emerging trends in the field.

Sources	ISSN	Publisher	Country	Articles
Sustainability (Switzerland)	2071-1050	MDPI	Switzerland	55
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health	1660-4601	MDPI	Switzerland	41
International Journal of Spa and Wellness	2472-1743	Routledge	United States	34
Tourism Management	0261-5177	Elsevier Ltd.	United Kingdom	34
Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites	2065-0817	Editura Universitatii din Oradea	Romania	33
Social Science and Medicine	0277-9536	Elsevier Ltd.	United Kingdom	31
Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing	1054-8408	Routledge	United States	30
Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics	2198-7246	Springer Nature	Switzerland	29
Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research	1094-1665	Taylor and Francis Ltd.	United Kingdom	24
International Journal of Tourism Research	1099-2340	John Wiley and Sons Ltd.	United Kingdom	24

Countries’ Scientific Productions

Table Table4 4 presents the scientific production in health tourism by country, highlighting the leading contributors in the field. The United States tops the list with 1,400 documents, demonstrating its dominant role and extensive research output in health tourism. China follows with 781 documents, indicating significant research activity and interest in the field. India is third with 636 documents, showcasing its growing contribution to health tourism research. The United Kingdom, with 529 documents, and Malaysia, with 484 documents, are also notable contributors, reflecting their active research communities. Canada (428 documents) and Iran (392 documents) further illustrate the global interest and scholarly contributions to health tourism. Australia (315 documents), South Korea (313 documents), and Thailand (307 documents) round out the list, emphasizing the international scope and diverse geographical interest in health tourism research. These figures underscore the global engagement and the collaborative efforts of various countries in advancing the field of health tourism.

Region	Number of documents
United States	1,400
China	781
India	636
United Kingdom	529
Malaysia	484
Canada	428
Iran	392
Australia	315
South Korea	313
Thailand	307

Historiograph

The historiograph depicted in Figure Figure3 3 is a visualization tool that plots the evolution and connections of the most influential publications in health tourism research. It underlines key elements and thematic evolvement over time. Key publications, such as Connell J 2006 and Mueller HR 2001, appear as larger nodes, thereby portraying their primary nature with a high citation count. Probably, Connell’s contribution laid the ground for essential concepts or frameworks that most of the subsequent studies have built on. The early research by Mueller probably laid the groundwork for further field development. Prominently connected influential authors include Smith PC 2007 and Turner L 2010, whose research was highly cited, hence instrumental in shaping subsequent research publications. Influential publications include those by Han HH 2015, Abubakar AM 2016, and Heung VCS. Moreover, they are located in central and well-connected positions in 2011, which means that these studies contributed much toward pushing forward the health tourism research in the mid-2010s. This historiography strongly marks the different phases of the research focus by having well-defined clusters of topics. The earlier research from 2001 to 2006, represented by Mueller and Connell, addressed definitions in the early stages, economic implications, and early case studies related to health tourism. A marked increase of highly interconnected nodes exists in the 2007-2013 period, showing topic diversification. During this period, critical studies were contributed by Smith, Connell, and Turner, who examined several issues about medical tourism, wellness tourism, and perceptions of patients. Recent development: 2014-2018; authors Han, Abubakar, Ormond; issues explored on ethical considerations, global health, and patient decision processes in contemporary times. This progression highlights the field’s dynamic nature, moving from foundational concepts to more specialized and diversified themes. The historiograph effectively demonstrates how early foundational studies influenced subsequent research, showcasing the cumulative nature of knowledge development in health tourism.

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Biblioshiny: https://www.bibliometrix.org/home/index.php/layout/biblioshiny.

Trend Topics

Figure Figure4 4 illustrates the trending topics over the past 20 years, providing valuable insights into evolving focus areas and emerging themes. From 2005 to 2010, early research topics included “case management,” “nursing care,” “graft survival,” and “economic competition,” indicating a focus on the practical and economic aspects of health tourism, such as the management of healthcare services and economic implications. Terms such as “southern Europe” and “Eurasia” pointed to a geographical interest, while “beneficence” and “ethics” reflected emerging concerns with ethical issues. Between 2010 and 2015, the scope of research broadened significantly to include “health care delivery,” “medical tourism,” “developing countries,” “psychological aspect,” and “legal aspect.” This period saw an increased emphasis on the delivery systems, psychological impacts, legal considerations, and the necessity for international cooperation, as evidenced by the prominence of “international cooperation.” There was also a deeper exploration of ethical implications and financial aspects, marked by an increased focus on “ethics,” “informed consent,” and “health care cost.” From 2015 to 2020, research topics shifted toward a clinical and healthcare focus, with terms such as “clinical article,” “tourist destination,” “healthcare,” “middle aged,” and “young adult” indicating a strong focus on clinical studies, specific demographics, and the role of tourist destinations in health tourism. The emergence of “perception” and “tourism development” suggested an interest in understanding how health tourism is perceived and how it can be effectively developed. Significant research efforts were highlighted by the appearance of “major clinical study.” The years 2020 to 2024 were heavily influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with terms such as “coronavirus disease 2019,” “COVID-19,” and “pandemic” reflecting this profound impact. Emerging topics such as “climate change,” “wellness tourism,” “well being,” and “sustainability” indicated a shift toward sustainable practices and a holistic approach to health tourism. The focus on specific geographical areas and the overarching management and organization of health tourism were evident in terms such as “China,” “Spain,” “tourism,” “health tourism,” and “tourism management.” These trends illustrate a dynamic field that has expanded from practical and economic aspects to include ethical, psychological, legal, and global dimensions, showcasing its adaptability and comprehensive approach to current global challenges and trends.

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Thematic Map

The thematic map shown in Figure Figure5 5 illustrates the stage of development and the significance of different themes based on two dimensions: Development level (Density) and Relevance level (Centrality). Motor themes, such as health tourism and medical tourism, are well-developed and central to the research field, indicating they are crucial and have strong internal development. Niche themes, such as cross-border reproductive care, are specialized and well-developed internally but are less central to the overall research field. Basic themes are important foundational aspects of the field. Still, they are not highly developed, while emerging or declining themes, such as transplant tourism, have low centrality and density, indicating they are either emerging or possibly losing relevance. Wellness tourism appears close to the center of the map, indicating it is a balanced theme with moderate development and relevance. This theme includes keywords such as wellness, spa, health and wellness tourism, and spa tourism. Health tourism and medical tourism are highly developed and central to the field, making them the key focus areas in health tourism research. In contrast, cross-border reproductive care is a specialized niche with substantial internal development but less connection to other themes in health tourism. Transplant tourism is an emerging or possibly declining area, indicating it requires more research or might be losing relevance. Overall, this map helps researchers and practitioners understand which areas are well-studied and crucial and which might need more focus or could be emerging trends.

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Keywords With the Strongest Citation Bursts

Table Table5 5 presents the top 25 keywords with the most significant citation bursts from 2010 to 2024. Citation bursts indicate periods when specific keywords received a surge in citations, reflecting heightened interest and relevance in the research community. Early in the decade, keywords such as “legal aspect” (2010-2014), “psychological aspect” (2010-2013), “ethics” (2010-2013), and “statistics” (2010-2014) had significant bursts. These keywords highlight the early focus on legal considerations, psychological dimensions, ethical issues, and statistical analyses, which laid the groundwork for more complex discussions in health tourism. Research in the mid-2010s saw sustained interest in themes such as “international cooperation” (2010-2015), “health care quality” (2013-2016), and “statistics and numerical data” (2013-2018), indicating a broader and more collaborative approach to addressing health tourism challenges, with an emphasis on maintaining and improving healthcare standards. In the late 2010s to early 2020s, there was a noticeable shift toward sustainability and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords such as “trends” (2014-2018), “sustainable development” (2020-2024), and “sustainability” (2020-2024) reflect a growing emphasis on sustainable practices within health tourism. The keyword “COVID-19” (2021-2024) had the highest burst strength of 21.36, underscoring the pandemic’s significant impact on health tourism research. Currently, there is a strong focus on keywords such as “tourism” (2020-2024), “health tourisms” (2012-2024), “pandemic” (2020-2024), “wellness tourism” (2021-2024), and “health tourism” (2022-2024). These terms indicate ongoing interest in holistic health, wellness aspects, and the broad impact of pandemics on the sector.

Keywords	Year	Strength	Begin	End	1985–2024
travel	1990	12.41	1990	2009	▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
standard	2007	15.33	2007	2013	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
internationality	2007	12.07	2007	2013	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
united states	1990	11.08	2007	2010	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
legal aspect	2006	23.3	2009	2014	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
ethics	2009	11.66	2009	2013	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
psychological aspect	2010	14.64	2010	2013	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
statistics	2010	10.52	2010	2014	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
organ transplantation	2010	9.78	2010	2013	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
health care quality	2007	11.02	2013	2016	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂
statistics and numerical data	2013	22.99	2014	2018	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂
trends	2014	16.46	2014	2018	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂
legislation and jurisprudence	2013	12.18	2014	2018	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂
procedures	2014	10.93	2014	2019	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂
standards	2015	11.8	2015	2018	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▂▂▂▂▂▂
human experiment	2016	11.14	2017	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
tourist destination	2011	9.54	2019	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃▃
tourism	1993	34.81	2020	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃
sustainable development	2007	11.99	2020	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃▃
covid 19	2021	21.82	2021	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃
pandemic	2020	12.6	2021	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃
health tourisms	2012	11.11	2021	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃▃
wellness tourism	2010	36.05	2022	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃
health tourism	1993	12.59	2022	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃
china	2009	9.84	2022	2024	▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▃▃▃

Network Visualization of Co-citation of Cited Authors

The visualization in Figure Figure6 6 illustrates the interconnectedness and thematic organization of influential works through the co-citation of cited authors. The network consists of 15 clusters, each representing a distinct area of focus within the field. Cluster #0, labeled as “medical tourism,” is the largest, with 210 members and a silhouette value of 0.773, indicating it is a well-defined group with substantial research activity. Key contributors to this cluster include Lunt N, Turner L, and Crooks VA, whose work has significantly shaped the field. Cluster #1, “wellness tourism,” with 193 members and a silhouette value of 0.783, also highlights important aspects of health tourism, with major contributions from Smith M, Voigt C, and Mueller H. Cluster #2, “medical tourism destination,” has 148 members and is another central theme, underscored by the influential works of Connell J, Han H, and Heung VCS. Other notable clusters include Cluster #3, also focused on “medical tourism,” with major contributions from Hair Jf, Fornell C, and Parasuraman A. Cluster #4, “Mexican long-haul pleasure traveller,” and Cluster #5, “online discussion forum,” indicate niche areas of research with high silhouette values, suggesting well-defined topics within their scope. Clusters like #7, “cross-border reproductive care,” and #9, “transplant tourism,” highlight the ethical and legal implications of health tourism. The diversity of clusters, ranging from “stem cell tourism” in Cluster #10 to “using authenticity” for competitive advantage in Cluster #15, showcases the breadth of research areas. The presence of comprehensive systematic reviews in Cluster #16 and the emerging focus on “stem cell cure” in Cluster #17 further illustrate the dynamic and evolving nature of health tourism research. This visualization helps identify key research areas and influential works, offers a comprehensive overview of the health tourism research landscape, and guides future research directions.

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CiteSpace: https://citespace.podia.com/.

Timeline Network Visualization of Countries ’ Collaborations

The network visualization in Figure Figure7 7 illustrates country collaborations, revealing six major clusters of interconnected and collaborative efforts across nations. The largest cluster, Cluster #0, labeled as “Case Study,” comprises 44 members and focuses on medical tourism and cross-border healthcare directives. Significant contributions from India (286 citations), the United Kingdom (249 citations), and Australia (187 citations) underscore the importance of these countries in researching healthcare-seeking behaviors during travel. Similarly, Cluster #1, “Inbound Medical Tourism,” with 26 members, emphasizes the leading role of the United States (564 citations) in inbound medical tourism research, followed by Canada (142 citations) and Mexico (25 citations). This cluster highlights North America’s substantial contributions to understanding the dynamics of patients traveling to receive medical care. Cluster #2, “European Society,” comprising 25 members, underscores collaborative efforts within Europe, particularly on cross-border healthcare, with notable contributions from Portugal (92 citations), Spain (90 citations), and Italy (62 citations). Cluster #3, “International Tourism,” with 24 members, focuses on sustainable tourism practices post-COVID-19, with key contributions from Turkey (108 citations), Poland (76 citations), and Hungary (54 citations). Cluster #4, “Unmet Need,” comprising 15 members, addresses ethical and legal aspects of medical tourism, with significant contributions from the United Arab Emirates (38 citations), South Africa (37 citations), and Israel (25 citations). Lastly, Cluster #5, “Cultural Diversity,” with eight members, highlights the importance of respecting cultural differences in medical tourism, with Brazil (22 citations) being a significant contributor. Overall, this visualization provides a comprehensive overview of country collaborations in health tourism research, highlighting key players and thematic focuses across different regions, and offering insights into the global research landscape in health tourism.

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CiteSpace: https://citespace.podia.com/.

The historical context of health tourism research reveals a field that has grown substantially over the past decades. Initially, the field saw minimal activity from 1963 to 1999, a period characterized by sporadic publications and limited academic interest. However, the turn of the millennium marked a significant shift, with a notable increase in publications starting in 2000 and peaking in 2009 [ 28 ]. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, which likely heightened interest in cost-effective healthcare options abroad, driving both academic and industry focus on medical tourism [ 29 ]. The continuous rise in publications post-2010 reflects the growing importance of health tourism in the context of globalization, advancements in medical technology, and the increasing accessibility of international travel.

The impact of global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, has further shaped the research landscape in health tourism. The pandemic has underscored the importance of sustainability and resilience in health tourism practices, leading to a shift in research priorities [ 30 ]. For example, recent studies have focused on the role of telemedicine as an alternative to international travel for medical procedures, the resilience of health tourism businesses during global health crises, and the growing emphasis on local wellness tourism as a safer alternative during periods of travel restrictions. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of health tourism research and its ability to adapt to global challenges. This study does not attempt to reproduce their complete citation networks, rather it focuses on identifying points of intellectual trajectory and topics as they begin a conversation in literature. This study enhances knowledge of discourse analysis for health tourism research by offering an extensive review, playing a guiding role in future studies, and ascertaining the basis on which policy-making decisions may be arrived at using current literature. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of health tourism research, evolving from foundational studies to more complex themes encompassing ethical, psychological, and global dimensions.

Identifying research gaps provides a roadmap for future studies in health tourism. The absence of longitudinal studies examining the long-term effects of health tourism on patients and healthcare systems represents a significant gap in the literature. Moreover, while psychological well-being post-treatment has been acknowledged as important, there is a need for more in-depth exploration of this area. Additionally, the integration of wellness and medical services remains under-researched, despite its potential to offer a more holistic approach to health tourism.

In addressing these gaps, future research could draw inspiration from successful interdisciplinary studies and policy initiatives. For instance, the integration of wellness and medical services in Thailand, where wellness resorts collaborate with local hospitals, offers a model for other regions seeking to enhance their health tourism offerings. Similarly, the development of uniform regulations for medical tourism within the European Union could serve as a blueprint for establishing ethical and practical standards globally. These examples underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and policy development in advancing the field of health tourism.

Research gaps and practical implications

The trend topics analysis and the Thematic map in health tourism research during the past 20 years expose several gaps. First, although the early scientific works were focused on the practical and economic themes of health tourism, such as case management and economic competition, longitudinal studies are strikingly absent on long-term effects and consequences for patients and healthcare systems alike. Second, though the period of 2010-2015 was characterized by strengthened attention to the psychological and legal problems of health tourism, there is a need for further studies examining psychological well-being and satisfaction among patients after treatment. Third, the recent focus on studies in the clinic and specific demographics has not been complemented by comprehensive research into the integration of wellness and medical services that offer a holistic approach to health tourism. Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been well documented, little research examines the long-term implications that the pandemic will have on health tourism and how this may relate to sustainability and climate change.

The findings from the bibliometric analysis provide several practical implications for the future of health tourism. First, further studies with a longitudinal approach are required to theoretically assess the long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction, which can also inform better practices and policies in health tourism. Second, interdisciplinary research that puts wellness and medical services together can give a more comprehensive approach toward health tourism and, hence, enhance its attractiveness and effectiveness. Third, given the increased attention toward ethical and legal matters, policymakers would have to attempt drafting some uniform legislation and regulations for allowing the practice to go forward with ethics and safeguarding the rights of patients in the domain of health tourism. Furthermore, the geographical areas pledging a considerable share in health tourism suggest focused marketing and development policies to materialize the potential therein. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic underlines the need for building resilient health tourism practices to adapt to global health crises and ensure sustainability.

Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis has highlighted the dynamic growth of health tourism research, revealing key contributors, trends, and global collaborations. The rapid increase in publications, particularly in the last decade, underscores the field’s evolving nature, driven by globalization, advancements in medical technology, and rising interest in wellness and medical tourism. However, significant research gaps persist, particularly in understanding long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction. Future research should adopt longitudinal studies and interdisciplinary approaches to explore the integration of wellness and medical services using frameworks such as integrative healthcare models to enhance patient care and experience.

Looking forward, the future of health tourism research should focus on addressing the challenges posed by global health crises and developing sustainable practices. There is a pressing need for uniform guidelines and benchmarks across the sector, particularly in regions such as Mexico and Portugal, where health tourism is rapidly expanding. By embracing a more integrative and sustainable approach, and exploring emerging trends such as personalized and digital health services, the field can continue to evolve and make meaningful contributions to global health and well-being.

Disclosures

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following:

Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work.

Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work.

Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Author Contributions

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Sajan N. Thomas, Shaiju KS, Jacob Bose, Alan Lukose, Gibin Jacob

Critical review of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Sajan N. Thomas, Jacob Bose, Bobby Simon, Gibin Jacob

Drafting of the manuscript: Shaiju KS, Alan Lukose

Concept and design: Bobby Simon

Environmental Studies Thesis Topics

300 Environmental Studies Thesis Topics and Ideas

Environmental studies is a broad and interdisciplinary field that addresses some of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. From climate change and biodiversity loss to water resource management and environmental policy, the range of topics is vast and ever-evolving. To assist students in finding the perfect topic for their thesis, we have compiled a comprehensive list of 300 environmental studies thesis topics, divided into 10 key categories. These topics reflect current issues, explore recent trends, and anticipate future directions in environmental studies. Whether you are interested in sustainability, green technology, or environmental justice, this list provides diverse options to inspire your academic journey.

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Get 10% off with 24start discount code, 1. climate change and global warming thesis topics.

The role of carbon pricing in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Investigating the impact of climate change on global agricultural productivity.
Exploring climate adaptation strategies for coastal cities.
The effects of rising sea levels on small island nations: A case study.
Examining the role of reforestation in carbon sequestration.
The impact of extreme weather events on infrastructure resilience.
Climate change and food security: Challenges and solutions.
The role of international agreements in mitigating climate change.
Exploring the potential of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
Investigating the relationship between climate change and biodiversity loss.
The role of renewable energy in combating global warming.
Assessing the impact of climate change on freshwater availability.
Exploring the social and economic impacts of climate-induced migration.
The effectiveness of climate policies in reducing global emissions.
Investigating the impact of deforestation on the global carbon cycle.
The role of environmental education in climate change awareness.
Exploring the link between climate change and the spread of infectious diseases.
The impact of climate change on marine ecosystems: A case study of coral reefs.
Climate change and its impact on global economic systems.
The role of green infrastructure in urban climate adaptation.
Investigating the contribution of livestock farming to greenhouse gas emissions.
The future of electric vehicles in reducing carbon footprints.
Climate change-induced natural disasters: Risk assessment and management strategies.
The role of climate modeling in predicting future environmental changes.
Exploring the effectiveness of climate-smart agriculture.
Investigating climate change denial and its impact on environmental policies.
The role of renewable energy policies in addressing climate change.
The impact of climate change on indigenous communities and their traditional knowledge.
Climate change communication strategies: Raising public awareness.
Exploring the role of technology in mitigating the effects of climate change.

2. Biodiversity and Conservation Thesis Topics

The impact of habitat loss on endangered species populations.
Investigating the role of protected areas in preserving biodiversity.
Exploring the effectiveness of wildlife corridors in promoting species migration.
The role of biodiversity hotspots in global conservation efforts.
Investigating the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems.
The role of community-based conservation in protecting endangered species.
Exploring the potential of genetic diversity in species conservation.
Investigating the impact of climate change on species distribution.
The role of zoos and botanical gardens in biodiversity conservation.
Exploring the effects of habitat fragmentation on wildlife populations.
The impact of deforestation on tropical biodiversity.
Investigating marine biodiversity loss due to overfishing.
The role of environmental policies in protecting biodiversity.
Exploring the use of technology in monitoring endangered species.
The impact of urbanization on local wildlife populations.
Investigating the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts.
Exploring the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The impact of poaching on wildlife conservation efforts.
Investigating the role of ecological restoration in biodiversity recovery.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine biodiversity.
The role of rewilding in restoring ecosystems and wildlife populations.
Investigating the effectiveness of conservation education programs.
Exploring the potential of citizen science in biodiversity monitoring.
The role of international agreements in biodiversity protection.
Investigating the impact of agricultural expansion on biodiversity.
The role of climate refugia in conserving biodiversity under climate change.
Exploring the effectiveness of species reintroduction programs.
Investigating the role of biodiversity offsets in mitigating development impacts.
The impact of coral bleaching on marine biodiversity.
Exploring the role of sustainable tourism in biodiversity conservation.

3. Environmental Policy and Governance Thesis Topics

Investigating the role of international environmental agreements in addressing global issues.
The effectiveness of environmental impact assessments in policy development.
Exploring the role of environmental NGOs in shaping policy decisions.
The impact of environmental regulations on corporate sustainability practices.
Investigating the role of public participation in environmental decision-making.
The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in reducing global carbon emissions.
Exploring the challenges of enforcing environmental laws in developing countries.
Investigating the role of indigenous rights in environmental governance.
The impact of environmental policies on sustainable development in urban areas.
Exploring the effectiveness of carbon trading schemes in reducing emissions.
The role of environmental justice in shaping policy decisions.
Investigating the role of local governments in promoting sustainable practices.
The impact of environmental regulations on economic development.
Exploring the role of corporate environmental responsibility in policy development.
Investigating the role of green political movements in shaping environmental policies.
The impact of environmental policies on the global energy transition.
Exploring the effectiveness of ecosystem-based management in policy development.
The role of international organizations in promoting environmental governance.
Investigating the impact of environmental litigation on policy enforcement.
Exploring the challenges of implementing climate policies in developing countries.
The role of environmental education in shaping public policy.
Investigating the impact of trade policies on environmental sustainability.
The effectiveness of protected area policies in conserving biodiversity.
Exploring the role of environmental diplomacy in resolving global environmental conflicts.
The impact of environmental governance on the management of natural resources.
Investigating the role of environmental policies in addressing water scarcity.
Exploring the effectiveness of sustainable urban planning policies.
The role of multilateral environmental agreements in global sustainability efforts.
Investigating the role of corporate lobbying in shaping environmental policies.
Exploring the impact of environmental regulations on industrial pollution.

4. Sustainable Development Thesis Topics

Exploring the role of sustainable agriculture in achieving food security.
Investigating the impact of sustainable urban planning on environmental sustainability.
The role of green buildings in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
Exploring the challenges of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Investigating the role of corporate sustainability strategies in promoting sustainable development.
The impact of sustainable transportation on reducing urban air pollution.
Exploring the role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development.
Investigating the potential of circular economy models for sustainable resource management.
The role of education in promoting sustainable development practices.
Exploring the relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Investigating the role of sustainable tourism in promoting environmental conservation.
The impact of sustainable consumption on reducing global resource depletion.
Exploring the role of sustainable development in addressing climate change.
Investigating the challenges of implementing sustainable business practices.
The role of public-private partnerships in promoting sustainable development.
Exploring the potential of eco-friendly technologies in achieving sustainability.
Investigating the role of local communities in promoting sustainable development.
The impact of sustainable supply chains on global business practices.
Exploring the role of green infrastructure in urban sustainability.
Investigating the role of gender equality in promoting sustainable development.
The role of sustainable finance in promoting environmental sustainability.
Exploring the impact of sustainable development on global poverty reduction.
Investigating the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in sustainable development.
The impact of environmental education on promoting sustainable lifestyles.
Exploring the role of innovation in achieving sustainable development goals.
Investigating the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental conservation.
The role of indigenous knowledge in promoting sustainable resource management.
Exploring the impact of population growth on sustainable development efforts.
Investigating the role of climate resilience in promoting sustainable development.
The role of policy frameworks in achieving sustainable development goals.

5. Renewable Energy and Green Technology Thesis Topics

Investigating the potential of solar energy in reducing global carbon emissions.
Exploring advancements in wind energy technology for sustainable power generation.
The role of green technology in promoting energy efficiency in urban areas.
Investigating the feasibility of offshore wind farms for large-scale renewable energy production.
Exploring the future of hydrogen fuel cells as a renewable energy source.
Investigating energy storage solutions for intermittent renewable energy sources.
The role of renewable energy in achieving energy security in developing countries.
Exploring advancements in bioenergy and its potential for sustainable development.
Investigating the integration of renewable energy systems into existing power grids.
The role of government policies in promoting renewable energy adoption.
Exploring the environmental impact of large-scale hydropower projects.
Investigating the role of geothermal energy in reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
The potential of tidal and wave energy as alternative renewable energy sources.
Exploring advancements in energy-efficient building technologies.
Investigating the impact of renewable energy on rural electrification.
The role of smart grids in facilitating the transition to renewable energy.
Exploring the future of solar photovoltaics in achieving global energy goals.
Investigating renewable energy solutions for off-grid communities.
The impact of wind farm noise on surrounding communities: Mitigation strategies.
Exploring advancements in green technology for sustainable transportation.
Investigating renewable energy policies in the European Union and their impact on energy consumption.
The role of renewable energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
Exploring the potential of waste-to-energy technologies for sustainable waste management.
Investigating the environmental impact of biomass energy production.
The role of public-private partnerships in promoting green technology innovations.
Exploring the economic feasibility of renewable energy projects in developing countries.
Investigating the impact of climate change on renewable energy potential.
Exploring advancements in solar-powered desalination technologies for water-scarce regions.
Investigating the role of electric vehicles in reducing urban air pollution.
Exploring the potential of smart cities to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.

6. Water Resources and Management Thesis Topics

Investigating sustainable water management strategies for urban areas.
Exploring the impact of climate change on global freshwater availability.
The role of water conservation technologies in reducing agricultural water use.
Investigating the effectiveness of integrated water resource management (IWRM) approaches.
Exploring advancements in desalination technologies for water-scarce regions.
Investigating the role of water recycling in addressing global water scarcity.
The impact of industrial water use on freshwater ecosystems.
Exploring sustainable groundwater management techniques for agricultural regions.
Investigating the role of wetlands in maintaining water quality and biodiversity.
The impact of urbanization on stormwater management and water quality.
Investigating the role of transboundary water agreements in promoting sustainable water management.
Exploring the potential of rainwater harvesting systems for water conservation.
Investigating the impact of pollution on freshwater ecosystems: Case studies.
The role of water pricing policies in promoting sustainable water use.
Investigating sustainable irrigation practices for improving water efficiency in agriculture.
Exploring the role of green infrastructure in managing urban stormwater.
Investigating the effects of climate change on water availability in arid regions.
The role of community-based water management in rural development.
Exploring the impact of water scarcity on food security in developing countries.
Investigating the role of technology in improving water-use efficiency.
The impact of dam construction on river ecosystems: A case study analysis.
Investigating the role of policy in promoting sustainable water resource management.
Exploring advancements in wastewater treatment technologies for water reuse.
Investigating the impact of agricultural runoff on freshwater pollution.
The role of remote sensing in monitoring water resources in developing regions.
Exploring the future of sustainable urban water management in smart cities.
Investigating the role of international cooperation in addressing global water crises.
The impact of deforestation on watershed management and water quality.
Exploring advancements in nanotechnology for water purification.
Investigating the role of climate resilience in water resource management strategies.

7. Pollution and Environmental Health Thesis Topics

Investigating the impact of air pollution on public health in urban areas.
Exploring the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing industrial pollution.
Investigating the effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
The role of environmental regulations in controlling hazardous waste disposal.
Exploring advancements in air quality monitoring technologies for urban areas.
Investigating the impact of water pollution on human health: A case study analysis.
The role of international agreements in addressing global pollution issues.
Investigating the environmental impact of electronic waste disposal.
Exploring the relationship between soil pollution and agricultural productivity.
Investigating the role of public awareness campaigns in reducing plastic waste.
The impact of agricultural pesticides on freshwater ecosystems.
Exploring sustainable waste management practices for reducing landfill pollution.
Investigating the role of green chemistry in reducing industrial pollution.
Exploring the potential of biodegradable plastics in reducing plastic waste.
The impact of urban air pollution on respiratory diseases: A case study analysis.
Investigating the role of legislation in controlling pollution from the transportation sector.
The effectiveness of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in reducing air pollution.
Exploring advancements in soil remediation techniques for contaminated land.
Investigating the impact of light pollution on nocturnal wildlife.
The role of environmental policies in reducing water pollution from agricultural runoff.
Investigating the potential of phytoremediation for cleaning up contaminated soil.
Exploring the effects of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Investigating sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics in reducing waste.
The impact of industrial pollution on biodiversity in developing countries.
Exploring advancements in pollution control technologies for heavy industries.
Investigating the role of corporate social responsibility in reducing industrial pollution.
The effectiveness of public transportation systems in reducing urban air pollution.
Exploring the role of environmental justice in addressing pollution-related health disparities.
Investigating the effects of noise pollution on wildlife behavior.
The impact of pollution on coral reefs: A case study analysis of mitigation strategies.

8. Environmental Economics Thesis Topics

Investigating the role of carbon pricing in promoting sustainable development.
Exploring the economic impact of climate change on coastal regions.
The role of green taxes in reducing environmental degradation.
Investigating the potential of ecosystem services in shaping economic policies.
Exploring the cost-benefit analysis of renewable energy investments.
Investigating the economic implications of biodiversity loss.
The role of environmental policies in promoting economic sustainability.
Exploring the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation.
Investigating the role of eco-labeling in promoting sustainable consumption.
The impact of environmental regulations on industrial competitiveness.
Exploring the economic potential of circular economy models.
Investigating the role of public-private partnerships in financing environmental initiatives.
The role of sustainable finance in promoting green investments.
Investigating the impact of environmental policies on job creation in the renewable energy sector.
Exploring the economic feasibility of large-scale reforestation projects.
Investigating the role of green bonds in financing sustainable infrastructure projects.
The economic impact of water scarcity on agricultural production.
Exploring the potential of carbon credits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Investigating the role of international trade in promoting environmental sustainability.
The economic benefits of ecosystem restoration projects: A case study analysis.
Exploring the role of environmental economics in shaping climate policy.
Investigating the impact of energy efficiency measures on economic growth.
The role of environmental taxes in promoting resource conservation.
Exploring the economic challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Investigating the role of environmental subsidies in promoting green technology development.
The impact of environmental policies on the global supply chain.
Exploring the potential of nature-based solutions in reducing economic losses from natural disasters.
Investigating the economic benefits of biodiversity conservation for local communities.
The role of environmental policies in promoting sustainable tourism.
Exploring the economic implications of climate change adaptation strategies.

9. Ecosystems and Ecological Restoration Thesis Topics

Investigating the role of ecosystem restoration in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Exploring the potential of rewilding as a tool for ecological restoration.
Investigating the impact of deforestation on ecosystem services in tropical forests.
The role of wetlands restoration in improving biodiversity and water quality.
Exploring the effectiveness of ecological restoration projects in urban areas.
Investigating the role of fire management in restoring fire-adapted ecosystems.
The impact of coral reef restoration on marine biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Exploring the potential of agroforestry systems for ecosystem restoration.
Investigating the role of native species reintroduction in restoring ecosystems.
The role of ecological restoration in mitigating soil erosion and desertification.
Exploring advancements in technology for monitoring ecosystem restoration projects.
Investigating the role of community involvement in successful ecological restoration efforts.
The impact of invasive species removal on ecosystem recovery.
Exploring the role of ecological corridors in restoring fragmented ecosystems.
Investigating the potential of grassland restoration in carbon sequestration efforts.
The role of ecological restoration in improving the resilience of ecosystems to climate change.
Exploring the effectiveness of marine protected areas in restoring coastal ecosystems.
Investigating the impact of mining activities on ecosystem services and restoration efforts.
The role of ecological restoration in restoring degraded agricultural lands.
Exploring advancements in soil restoration techniques for sustainable agriculture.
Investigating the role of ecological restoration in promoting biodiversity in arid regions.
The impact of urbanization on ecosystem services: A case study of restoration efforts.
Exploring the role of ecological restoration in mitigating flood risks.
Investigating the long-term success of large-scale ecosystem restoration projects.
The role of ecological restoration in protecting endangered species and habitats.
Exploring the potential of mangrove restoration for coastal protection and biodiversity.
Investigating the role of ecological restoration in improving ecosystem resilience to natural disasters.
The impact of agricultural expansion on ecosystem services: A case study of restoration efforts.
Exploring advancements in remote sensing for monitoring ecological restoration.
Investigating the role of environmental policy in supporting ecological restoration efforts.

10. Environmental Education and Awareness Thesis Topics

Investigating the role of environmental education in promoting sustainable behaviors.
Exploring the effectiveness of environmental education programs in schools.
The impact of public awareness campaigns on environmental conservation efforts.
Investigating the role of social media in raising environmental awareness.
The role of environmental education in promoting climate change awareness.
Exploring the potential of environmental education for community-based conservation.
Investigating the effectiveness of environmental education in promoting recycling behaviors.
The role of eco-friendly school programs in shaping environmental attitudes.
Exploring advancements in environmental education tools and technologies.
Investigating the role of environmental awareness campaigns in reducing plastic waste.
The impact of environmental education on public perceptions of renewable energy.
Exploring the role of youth engagement in environmental awareness initiatives.
Investigating the effectiveness of environmental education in promoting water conservation.
The role of environmental storytelling in raising awareness about biodiversity loss.
Exploring the potential of gamification in environmental education programs.
Investigating the impact of environmental education on corporate sustainability practices.
The role of environmental education in promoting sustainable food choices.
Exploring advancements in virtual reality tools for environmental education.
Investigating the role of environmental education in reducing deforestation.
The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness.
Exploring the role of art in raising environmental awareness and promoting conservation.
Investigating the role of environmental education in supporting environmental justice initiatives.
The role of environmental documentaries in raising public awareness about climate change.
Exploring the effectiveness of environmental education programs for indigenous communities.
Investigating the potential of citizen science in promoting environmental awareness.
The impact of climate change education on youth environmental activism.
Exploring the role of environmental education in promoting sustainable travel and tourism.
Investigating the role of community outreach programs in raising environmental awareness.
The role of environmental education in addressing environmental health issues.
Exploring the future of environmental education in a digital age.

This comprehensive list of 300 environmental studies thesis topics spans diverse areas, from climate change and biodiversity to renewable energy and environmental policy. Whether your research interest lies in tackling pollution, improving water resource management, or promoting environmental education, these topics provide the foundation for meaningful academic inquiry. By selecting a thesis topic that reflects current challenges, recent trends, and future opportunities, you will contribute to advancing environmental solutions and sustainability.

The Range of Environmental Studies Thesis Topics

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that draws from a wide range of disciplines such as biology, ecology, geography, economics, and policy to address the critical environmental challenges facing our planet. As environmental issues become more pressing, students pursuing environmental studies have the opportunity to contribute to finding solutions through their thesis research. The range of thesis topics in environmental studies is broad, covering areas like climate change, biodiversity, renewable energy, and environmental policy. This article explores the different dimensions of environmental studies and the diverse range of thesis topics students can explore, focusing on current issues, recent trends, and future directions in the field.

Current Issues in Environmental Studies

Environmental studies today is shaped by some of the most urgent global issues, from climate change to pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Addressing these problems requires immediate action, and many students choose to focus their thesis on topics that address these pressing concerns.

Climate Change and Its Global Impact Climate change is one of the most critical challenges facing humanity. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise threaten ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide. Thesis topics related to climate change might explore carbon reduction strategies, the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, or the role of renewable energy in mitigating global warming. Students may also examine the role of international policies, such as the Paris Agreement, in reducing global carbon emissions or investigate the effects of climate change on specific ecosystems like coral reefs or polar regions.
Pollution and Environmental Health Pollution, in its many forms, continues to pose significant risks to environmental and human health. From plastic pollution in oceans to industrial waste and air pollution in urban areas, this issue affects all life forms. Thesis topics in this area can explore the impact of plastic pollution on marine biodiversity, advancements in pollution control technologies, or the effects of air pollution on public health. Students might also investigate the role of legislation and policy in managing and reducing pollution, particularly in heavily industrialized areas, or examine the global problem of electronic waste disposal.
Biodiversity Loss and Conservation The loss of biodiversity is another urgent issue, with habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change driving many species toward extinction. Conservation efforts are crucial in protecting endangered species and preserving ecosystems. Thesis topics might focus on habitat restoration, the effectiveness of protected areas, or the role of community-based conservation in biodiversity preservation. Students could also explore the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems or the effectiveness of conservation policies and strategies in preventing species decline.

Recent Trends in Environmental Studies

As environmental studies evolves, new trends are emerging that reflect the changing priorities and technological advancements in the field. These trends are shaping the direction of research and creating new opportunities for innovative solutions.

Sustainable Development and Circular Economies The shift toward sustainable development and the concept of a circular economy is gaining traction as businesses and governments strive to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. This trend focuses on reducing waste, reusing resources, and creating sustainable production and consumption patterns. Thesis topics in this area could include investigating the role of circular economies in reducing industrial waste, exploring sustainable agriculture practices, or assessing the impact of sustainable tourism on local ecosystems. Students might also research how policies can support sustainable urban planning, green building technologies, or eco-friendly business models.
Renewable Energy and Green Technologies With the global push toward decarbonization, renewable energy and green technology are at the forefront of environmental studies. The increasing adoption of solar, wind, and bioenergy technologies presents opportunities for research into their environmental and economic impacts. Thesis topics could focus on advancements in energy storage technologies, the integration of renewable energy into national grids, or the role of electric vehicles in reducing urban air pollution. Exploring the potential of emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel cells or smart grids for efficient energy use could also form the basis for compelling research.
Environmental Justice and Equity Environmental justice is a growing area of focus within environmental studies, addressing the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalized communities. This trend highlights the need for equitable solutions that protect vulnerable populations from the effects of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. Thesis topics could explore the intersection of environmental policy and social justice, the impact of pollution on low-income communities, or strategies for achieving environmental equity in urban development. Students may also investigate how indigenous knowledge and practices contribute to sustainable resource management.

Future Directions in Environmental Studies

Looking ahead, environmental studies will continue to evolve as new challenges and opportunities arise. Students looking to make a lasting impact should consider thesis topics that anticipate future environmental needs and focus on innovative solutions.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the focus is shifting from mitigation to adaptation. Communities, especially in vulnerable regions, are increasingly looking for ways to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Thesis topics in this area might explore climate adaptation strategies for coastal cities, innovations in climate-resilient infrastructure, or the role of policy in supporting climate adaptation efforts. Students could also research the development of early warning systems for natural disasters or the integration of climate adaptation measures into urban planning.
Green Infrastructure and Smart Cities The concept of smart cities, which leverages technology to improve the efficiency of urban systems while reducing environmental impact, is gaining momentum. Green infrastructure—such as urban parks, green roofs, and sustainable drainage systems—plays a critical role in these cities, helping manage stormwater, reduce urban heat, and improve air quality. Thesis topics could explore the integration of green infrastructure into smart city planning, the role of technology in promoting urban sustainability, or the economic and environmental benefits of nature-based solutions in cities.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration As ecosystems continue to degrade, efforts to restore biodiversity and ecosystem services are becoming increasingly important. Ecological restoration—through rewilding, afforestation, and wetland restoration—provides a way to reverse the damage caused by human activity. Thesis topics could include the effectiveness of rewilding in restoring biodiversity, the role of community involvement in successful restoration projects, or the impact of large-scale ecosystem restoration efforts on carbon sequestration. Research could also focus on the use of technology in monitoring restoration progress and long-term success.

Environmental studies offers a wide range of thesis topics that address both the challenges and opportunities facing our planet today. From the urgent issues of climate change and biodiversity loss to the emerging trends of sustainable development and environmental justice, students have the chance to contribute valuable research that can drive real-world solutions. As the field continues to evolve, future-focused research on climate adaptation, green infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration will play a vital role in ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. By choosing a thesis topic that aligns with your interests and global needs, you can make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental studies.

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Analysis and Mapping of Research Article Themes
Theme and Sub-theme of the Research
Ten General Themes with Examples of Research Topics
25 Themes Examples (In Literature) (2024)
How to Write a Research Article
Main themes of the research.

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Themes of Research and Applications
Introduction of research article or thesis #research
What are Themes in Documentary Filmmaking?
Where and how to download a template for your Research papers
What topics are suitable for doing research? #researchtopics #researchtopic #Researchideas
35 RESEARCH TOPICS IN PHARMACY

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Understanding and Identifying 'Themes' in Qualitative Case Study Research
Themes should be far away from the description of any facet of the context. Themes should be closer to explaining the endogenous constructs of a research. Further, often the contribution of a qualitative case study research (QCSR) emerges from the 'extension of a theory' or 'developing deeper understanding—fresh meaning of a phenomenon'.
(PDF) Techniques to Identify Themes
Theme identification is one of the most fundamental tasks in qualitative research. It also is one of the most mysterious. Explicit descriptions of theme discovery are rarely found in articles and ...
113 Great Research Paper Topics
One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.
A Step-by-Step Process of Thematic Analysis to Develop a Conceptual
The theme is something that provides a significant link between research questions and data. A theme is based on the researcher's own thinking and observation during data collection; the researcher's observations about the data and deep theoretical understanding help them to develop themes from the codes (Carey, 2017).
How to Do Thematic Analysis
When to use thematic analysis. Different approaches to thematic analysis. Step 1: Familiarization. Step 2: Coding. Step 3: Generating themes. Step 4: Reviewing themes. Step 5: Defining and naming themes. Step 6: Writing up. Other interesting articles.
(PDF) Themes, Theories, and Models
research articles in Q ualitative Health Research ( QHR ), which has led me to two conclusions. First, themes are the most common format for reporting results. Second, models that connect. themes ...
PDF FINDING THEMES
This approach comes from linguistics and semantic network analysis. It's based on the observation that many words commonly occur with other words to form a particular idea. The word "shrouded," for example, often occurs near "mystery" or "secrecy" (as in "shrouded in mystery") and sometimes near "mist" or "ambiguity.".
Iterative Thematic Inquiry: A New Method for Analyzing Qualitative Data
Given the importance of themes in qualitative research, this article first clarifies how themes are used in qualitative analysis, and then presents a new analytic method, Iterative Thematic Inquiry (ITI). ... For those who are new to thinking thematically, the best way to become familiar with this process is to study existing articles that use ...
What is a theme? Teaching thematic analysis in qualitative
Course: Qualitative Research Methods Objectives: To provide students with an experiential understanding of the six steps to conducting a thematic analysis: (1) gaining familiarity with the data ...
Themes, Theories, and Models
In addition, articles that rely on themes often present low-level theori … Although theory building is often described as the ultimate goal of qualitative research, an examination of articles in Qualitative Health Research ( QHR) shows that themes are actually the typical format for reporting results. In addition, articles that rely on themes ...
Interpreting themes from qualitative data: thematic analysis
It is also a good method to follow when you want to find out people's views, opinions, knowledge, or experience on a topic. The most common method of thematic analysis follows a 5 or 6 step process: 1) familiarization; 2) coding; 3) generating themes; 4) reviewing themes; 5) defining and naming themes; and 6) reporting.
General-purpose thematic analysis: a useful qualitative method for
Thematic analysis involves a process of assigning data to a number of codes, grouping codes into themes and then identifying patterns and interconnections between these themes. 2 Thematic analysis allows for a nuanced understanding of what people say and do within their particular social contexts. Of note, thematic analysis can be used with interviews and focus groups and other sources of data ...
Formulation of Themes in Qualitative Research: Logical ...
Thematic analysis is one of the qualitative methods most widely used in psychological research. The aim of this paper is to situate the thematic analysis within the inferential diversity that characterizes qualitative research methods. We first present the schools of thematic analysis and their respective inferential logics, emphasizing the logical and analytical procedures that support the ...
Practical thematic analysis: a guide for multidisciplinary health
Qualitative research methods explore and provide deep contextual understanding of real world issues, including people's beliefs, perspectives, and experiences. Whether through analysis of interviews, focus groups, structured observation, or multimedia data, qualitative methods offer unique insights in applied health services research that other approaches cannot deliver. However, many ...
Thematic Analysis
Thematic Analysis - A Guide with Examples. Thematic analysis is one of the most important types of analysis used for qualitative data. When researchers have to analyse audio or video transcripts, they give preference to thematic analysis. A researcher needs to look keenly at the content to identify the context and the message conveyed by the ...
What Is the Theme of a Research Paper?
A theme is a major and sometimes recurring idea, subject or topic that appears in a written work. A dominant theme usually reveals what the work is really about and can be helpful in forming insights and analysis. A theme can consist of one word, two words or more. For example, your teacher might ask you to explore the straightforward ideas of ...
Topical themes and thematic progression: the "picture" of research articles
Although much has been written about the features of academic writing, there is a lack of research attention on macro issues related to the development of ideas, particularly in the writing of research articles. A concept that is useful in investigating such issues is the Hallidayan notion of theme. However, the thematic structure of research articles has received only modest attention over ...
Techniques to Identify Themes
Theme identification is one of the most fundamental tasks in qualitative research. It also is one of the most mysterious. Explicit descriptions of theme discovery are rarely found in articles and reports, and when they are, they are often relegated to appendices or footnotes. Techniques are shared among small groups of social scientists, but ...
Full article: The thematic structure in research article abstracts
Abstract. This study has investigated the thematic structure of RA abstracts published in business administration, applied linguistics, accounting, physics, chemistry, and computer science disciplines from the perspectives of topical, textual, and interpersonal themes. The results showed that the unmarked topical themes were the most prevalent ...
CoB Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Published literature reviews are called review articles, however, research articles often contain brief literature reviews at the beginning to give context to the study within that article. By reviewing published literature reviews you can more easily ground yourself in a topic, it's main themes, and find relevant literature for your own review.
Techniques to Identify Themes in Qualitative Data
Key Words: Theme Identification, Exploratory Analysis, Open Coding, Text Analysis, Qualitative Research Methods. Abstract. Theme identification is one of the most fundamental tasks in qualitative research. It also one of the most mysterious. Explicit descriptions of theme discovery are rarely described in articles and reports and if so are ...
Understanding and Identifying 'Themes' in Qualitative Case Study Research
Themes are identified with any form of qualitative research method, be it phenomenology, narrative. analysis, grounded theory, thematic analysis or any other form. However, the purpose and process ...
Exploring the Frontiers of Health Tourism: A Bibliometric Analysis of
Trend topics and thematic maps visualize the evolution of research themes, while keywords with the strongest citation bursts are identified. Co-citation analysis reveals influential works and collaborations, and a timeline view of country collaborations illustrates the global research network. The study concludes that while health tourism ...
Environmental Studies Thesis Topics
This page provides a comprehensive list of environmental studies thesis topics designed to help students select relevant and impactful subjects for their academic research. With 300 diverse topics organized into 10 categories, this list covers a wide range of critical areas within environmental studies, including climate change, biodiversity, sustainable development, and renewable energy.
Researchers create new machine to twist 2D materials
The new technology, named MEms-based Generic Actuation platform for 2D materials, or MEGA2D, utilizes microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, to study the twisting of two-dimensional materials ...
Ten General Themes with Examples of Research Topics
The 10 general research themes are listed in Table 2 along with the specific topics addressed under each theme. Trends and Challenges System-wide issues; changes over time Each of the 364 ...
LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center experts discuss advances in research and
Sponsored Content. This article is brought to you by LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center. World Cancer Research Day is a globally recognized movement to raise awareness of the role research plays in the ...
Examples of research themes, topics and facets in higher education
As mentioned in the methodology section, Tight's themes of research in higher education (2003,2019) plus the theme of 'internationalisation' (Horta & Jung, 2014) were used to organise the articles ...