IPA analysis steps: interpretative phenomenological analysis with an example
Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) works one case at a time, then across cases, in seven steps (Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2nd edition, 2022):
- Reading and re-reading
- Exploratory notes
- Constructing experiential statements
- Searching for connections across experiential statements
- Naming the personal experiential themes (PETs) and organising them in a table
- Continuing the individual analysis with other cases
- Working with PETs to develop group experiential themes (GETs)
The 2022 edition renamed the key terms: emergent themes became experiential statements, superordinate themes for one participant became personal experiential themes (PETs), and cross-case master or superordinate themes became group experiential themes (GETs).
The steps in detail
- Reading and re-reading. Immerse yourself in the first transcript (listening to the recording helps). Note your own first impressions separately so they do not drive the analysis.
- Exploratory notes. Line-by-line notes on anything of interest: descriptive (what is said), linguistic (how it is said: metaphor, pauses, repetition) and conceptual (more interpretative questions).
- Constructing experiential statements. Turn chunks of transcript and notes into concise statements that capture what the experience means for this participant. In the 2009 edition these were 'emergent themes'.
- Searching for connections across experiential statements. Cluster statements that relate to one another, for example by abstraction, polarisation, function or context. Some statements will be set aside.
- Naming the personal experiential themes (PETs) and organising them in a table. Give each cluster a title, organise PETs and any sub-themes in a table for that participant, with supporting quotes and line references.
- Continuing the individual analysis with other cases. Repeat steps 1 to 5 for each participant, treating each case on its own terms (bracketing what you found before as far as you can).
- Working with PETs to develop group experiential themes (GETs). Look for patterns of similarity and difference across cases' PETs, and build a table of GETs (with sub-themes) showing which participants contribute to each, keeping idiosyncratic and divergent accounts visible.
Smith and colleagues present these steps as a flexible heuristic, not a fixed recipe. Experienced analysts may move between them; first-time users are advised to follow them closely.
Old and new terminology
| 2009 (1st edition) | 2022 (2nd edition) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Emergent themes | Experiential statements | Within a case |
| Superordinate themes (for one participant) | Personal experiential themes (PETs) | Within a case |
| Master themes / superordinate themes (across the group) | Group experiential themes (GETs) | Across cases |
If you started with the 2009 terms, either is defensible, but use one set consistently and cite the edition whose procedure you followed.
A short illustrative example
Invented extract, for illustration only.
Signs of good IPA
Nizza, Farr & Smith (2021) describe four markers of high-quality IPA: a compelling, unfolding narrative; a vigorous experiential and existential account; close analytic reading of participants' words; and attending to convergence and divergence. Common problems examiners spot are themes that are merely descriptive topics, too few quotes per participant for each GET, and losing the individual in the group themes.
Free download: IPA step checklist
A two-page checklist for each of the seven steps, a terminology crib, a per-participant PET table and a GET table with a participant-contribution grid.
Download the PDF Two A4 pages. No email needed.
Do this in Notion
The free PDF is enough to do the job on paper. If you would rather keep it in one place that updates as you work, the Phenomenology & IPA Studio is a Notion template that holds each case separately, lets you build experiential statements, PETs and then GETs with links back to the quotes, and checks that every participant and any divergence stays visible.
It is a one-time purchase: Core $15, or Plus $24 with the AI pack. See exactly what is inside on the template page, or save by buying it with related templates in a bundle.
Sources
- Smith JA, Flowers P, Larkin M. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research. 2nd ed. SAGE; 2022 (released late 2021).
- Smith JA, Nizza IE. Essentials of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. American Psychological Association; 2022.
- Nizza IE, Farr J, Smith JA. Achieving excellence in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA): four markers of high quality. Qualitative Research in Psychology 2021;18(3):369-386. doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2020.1854404
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps of IPA analysis?
In Smith, Flowers and Larkin (2022): reading and re-reading; exploratory notes; constructing experiential statements; searching for connections; naming personal experiential themes; repeating for other cases; and developing group experiential themes across cases.
What is the difference between PETs and GETs?
Personal experiential themes (PETs) are developed for one participant. Group experiential themes (GETs) are developed across participants by comparing their PETs.
What replaced emergent themes in IPA?
In the 2022 second edition, emergent themes are called experiential statements.
How many participants does IPA need?
IPA favours small, fairly homogeneous samples so each case can be analysed in depth. Smith and colleagues offer guidance, but the number depends on the level of study and the depth of analysis; check current guidance and your supervisor's expectations.
Is IPA the same as thematic analysis?
No. Both produce themes, but IPA is grounded in phenomenology, hermeneutics and idiography, works case by case before moving across cases, and focuses on how participants make sense of experience.