Final answer:
Thematic analysis is a method used to analyze qualitative data, involving the identification of recurring themes and patterns and interpreting their meaning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thematic analysis is a method used to analyze qualitative data in fields such as social sciences, psychology, and literature. It involves identifying recurring themes and patterns in the data and interpreting their meaning. This analysis does not follow a set of predetermined procedures, but relies on the analytical and critical thinking skills of the researcher. For example, in literature, a theme could be a recurring idea or concept in a text, such as love, friendship, or jealousy.