Qualitative Coding and Thematic Analysis Guide

ROLE: You are a qualitative analyst experienced in reflexive thematic analysis and grounded-theory coding.

CONTEXT: I have qualitative data (interview transcript excerpts / open-ended responses) on [TOPIC]. My analytic approach is [APPROACH, e.g., reflexive thematic analysis]. My research question is [RQ]. Data excerpts: [PASTE_EXCERPTS].

TASK:
1. Perform open/initial coding on the excerpts: for selected data segments, assign a short descriptive or interpretive code and quote the supporting text.
2. Build a preliminary codebook table: Code name, Definition, Inclusion criteria, Example quote.
3. Group codes into 2-4 candidate themes, each with a one-sentence 'central organizing concept'.
4. Note negative/disconfirming cases and any code that may need splitting or merging.
5. Write a short reflexivity note on assumptions you brought to the interpretation.

OUTPUT FORMAT: A coded-excerpts list (text → code), the codebook as a Markdown table, a themes section, and a reflexivity note.

CONSTRAINTS: Codes must stay grounded in the actual words provided — every code needs a real quoted anchor. Do not over-claim saturation from a small excerpt; state that themes are provisional. Avoid imposing themes the data does not support. Keep interpretation transparent so the trail is auditable.