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Workshop: Applying thematic analysis

Applying thematic analysis to explore perceptions and self-reported behaviours: using students’ interview and reflective diary data as examples, , by Dr Huahui Zhao

Wednesday 19th November 2025, 1-4pm. Free. Booking required. Limited spaces. Open to University of Leeds staff and postgraduate researchers.

University of Leeds campus, Coach House, Hillary Place.

Thematic analysis is widely used in social science research for examining participants’ perceptions through interviews, focus groups and learning diaries. It can also reveal participants’ behaviours through observations and conversation histories with both human and non-human learning partners. However, novice qualitative researchers often find thematic analyses challenging due to the complexity and richness of qualitative data, which could lead to confusion, frustration and inadequate data interpretations.

This workshop aims to introduce a systematic approach to conducting reflective thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022; Clarke & Braun, 2017), drawing upon my research and supervision experience. It will cover:

  • Core concepts underpinning thematic analysis
  • Key steps in thematic analysis
  • Strategies for reflection to rigour and quality

Participants will engage in hands-on activities using authentic interview and reflective diary data from two educational projects.

Registration

The workshop is free for staff and postgraduate researchers at the University of Leeds, but registration is required. Registration link will be available soon. In the meantime, please save the date.

Speaker

Headshot of Dr Huahui Zhao

Dr Huahui Zhao is an Associate Professor in Language Education at the University of Leeds, where she is leading the Hub for Research Innovation, Culture and Education (RICE) in the School of Education. Her research focuses on assessment and testing in both traditional and technology-enhanced settings, with a strong interest in innovative research methodologies. She has successfully led and completed multiple funded projects and has published on relevant areas widely. Her current work focuses on how GenAI impacts learning and assessment in higher education and how to develop learners’ critical thinking to foster their critical GenAI literacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This event is co-organised by Language at Leeds and the Social Research Methods Centre.