Show relationships between themes

Draw the links you see between themes, codes and sub-codes, each marked as found in the data, proposed in theory, or cause and effect.

Used in phases 4 and 5, reviewing themes and defining themes

Try this in the demoSee how it works
Boundariesand OverworkWellbeingand BurnoutVisibilityand TrustTheoreticalLinked through Hobfoll'sconservation of resources.
Theoretical

A dashed branch is a link you propose, with your note on why.

Three kinds of link, each with your reasoning

Thematic analysis is as much about how themes relate as about what each one holds. Show relationships lets you record those links on the map. Each link joins two themes, codes or sub-codes, carries a note saying why, and is drawn in one of three ways so a reader can tell evidence from interpretation.

You decide every link. Themescape draws what you record and suggests nothing.

  • EmpiricalA shared codeA solid line joins two themes linked by a code or experience in the data.
  • TheoreticalA link in theoryA dashed line marks an association you propose, with no code between them yet.
  • CausalCause and effectAn arrow on either kind points to the effect, where you have identified cause and effect.

Recording a link

Links can be added in the viewer or in the Connections tab.

ViewWorkPresentViewWorkPresentBoundariesand OverworkWellbeingand BurnoutVisibilityand Trust+ Add branch
Boundariesand OverworkWellbeingand BurnoutVisibilityand Trust+ Add branch
Boundariesand OverworkWellbeingand BurnoutVisibilityand TrustBranchNote: shared code, Blurred hoursEmpiricalTheoreticalDirection
Boundariesand OverworkWellbeingand BurnoutVisibilityand TrustShow connectionsAll connectionsOpen theme connectionsHide connections
Open the demo in Work mode

Figures made with show relationships

Finished figures from the gallery that used this feature.

View the figure gallery

In the Connections tab

Each row has from, to, note, type and arrow. Type is evidenced or theoretical, and a blank type counts as evidenced. Arrow is to, from or blank, and an arrow always points at the effect.

Linking sub-codes

Write a sub-code as Code > Sub-code: the code name, a space, the > sign, a space, then the sub-code name.

Saved with your project

Links marked in the viewer are exported back to the Connections file when you save your progress.

In the other views

Connections show in every view while Show connections is on. In File tree they are drawn as arcs beside the rows, and in Hierarchy they are drawn for the theme, code or sub-code you select. New links are drawn with + Add branch, which is in Node network.

Related features

The features you will use alongside show relationships, closest first.

See all features
Work modeEvery tool in view for the slow part of analysis: rewriting definitions, choosing quotes and marking how themes relate.See the featureNode networkEvery theme, code and quote drawn as a connected map, so the shape of your analysis is visible at a glance.See the featurePresent modeHide the tools and enlarge the map and your strongest quotes for a supervision, a seminar or an examiner.See the featureExport back to the spreadsheetTake the definitions, stars and connections you refined in Themescape back into your coding workbook, in the same format.See the feature

See your own themes come to life

Try the live demo or start a 7 day free trial. Your data is read in your browser and never leaves your computer.

Try this in the demoStart 7 day free trial