Which type of analysis focuses on identifying patterns and themes within data?

The correct answer is the type of analysis that specifically aims to identify patterns and themes within qualitative data, which is known as thematic analysis. This method is commonly used in qualitative research to explore and interpret various aspects of content, such as responses from interviews, open-ended survey questions, or focus group discussions.

Thematic analysis involves systematically coding and categorizing data to uncover recurring themes or insights that can provide a deeper understanding of the underlying phenomena. It emphasizes the subjective interpretation of information, allowing researchers to capture the complexity of participants' perspectives.

While statistical analysis deals with numerical data and focuses more on quantifying variables or relationships between them, qualitative analysis is a broader term that includes several methods, one of which is thematic analysis. Comparative analysis is another distinct approach that typically involves comparing two or more items to highlight similarities and differences but doesn't specifically emphasize uncovering themes or patterns from qualitative data.