centraltema

Centraltema is a term used in qualitative analysis to denote the central, unifying theme that underpins a corpus of data. It describes the core idea that gives cohesion to subthemes and informs interpretation.

The word is formed from central and tema (theme in several Romance languages); some scholars describe centraltema as the single motif around which data narratives revolve, often contrasting it with peripheral or subordinate themes.

Identification typically occurs during coding and thematic analysis. Researchers code passages, group codes into themes, and iteratively compare them to identify a centraltema that most effectively captures the data’s overarching message.

Applications span multiple disciplines, including media studies, education research, user experience research, and content strategy. Reporting often centers on the centraltema to provide a clear through-line for complex findings.

Example: in a study of remote work experiences, the centraltema might be "work-life integration," with subthemes such as schedule flexibility, boundary enforcement, and technology use.

Limitations include subjective judgment in selecting a centraltema and the risk of oversimplification. Validity can be enhanced through triangulation, participant validation, and transparent documentation of analytic steps.

See also: thematic analysis, core category, central theme.