In inductive thematic analysis, from where are codes derived?

• A. Data
• B. Theory
• C. Predefined categories
• D. Statistical significance

Answer: (A)

Codes in inductive thematic analysis come from the data itself. As you read and re-read the transcripts or text, you identify meaningful segments and label them with codes that capture what the data are saying, without imposing any pre-existing theory or categories. This data-driven coding lets patterns emerge across the dataset, guiding the development of broader themes. It contrasts with approaches that start from theory or predefined categories, where codes are drawn from existing frameworks. It also doesn’t involve statistical testing, which isn’t part of qualitative thematic analysis.