In more detail
Braun and Clarke describe data extracts as being used in two ways: illustratively, to show what a theme is about, or analytically, as material the researcher interprets in detail. An illustrative quote is the clearest example of the pattern a theme describes.
Choosing quotes is part of writing up, but it starts earlier. Rating how well each quote illustrates its code helps when reviewing themes, because a code with no strong examples may need another look.
Good practice is to draw illustrative quotes from across participants, so that a theme is not represented by one or two voices.
In Themescape
The illustrativeness column takes a number from 1 to 5 and orders quotes within a code, highest first. Favourite quotes, starred in Work mode or marked in the preferred column, come before the rest. Present mode features up to three favourites, or the most illustrative quote if none is starred.
A short example
From the Working Well dataset
Connection and Isolation
Working definition: The loss of informal contact and the deliberate efforts to counter it.
Missing Office ChatterIntentional Check-insFeeling out of the Loop
The quote rated 5 and starred for Missing Office Chatter is from P02: "It is the small talk by the kettle I miss most." Made up data, nothing from a real study.
Where to read more
Article: Choosing and refining illustrative quotes ›
Definitions and quotes on selection ›
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE.