What qualitative analysis approach involves identifying themes within data that can be descriptive rather than theory-building?

Thematic analysis is a widely used qualitative analysis approach that focuses on identifying and interpreting themes within qualitative data. This method allows researchers to systematically analyze patterns or themes that emerge from the data, making it suitable for both descriptive and theoretical purposes.

In its descriptive form, thematic analysis involves summarizing and organizing the data into meaningful categories without necessarily building new theories. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the versatility of thematic analysis; while it can support theory development, it is not confined to that aim. Researchers can utilize this method to capture and reflect on participants' experiences, perspectives, or the context in which the data were collected, providing rich insights into the subject matter.

Other options may involve different methodologies or focuses. For example, rhetoric pertains to persuasive language and does not primarily concern data analysis. Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methods or data sources to enhance the credibility of findings, rather than focusing on thematic identification. Discourse analysis, while it involves analyzing speech and text, is more concerned with the social context and power relations inherent in language rather than simply identifying themes in qualitative data. Thus, thematic analysis is distinct for its thematic focus and descriptive potential, making it the right choice for this question.