Grounded Theory Flashcards
Grounded theory
Originated with Glaser and Strauss’ work in the 1960d on the interactions between healthcare professionals and dying patients. Grounded theory (GT) is a systematic methodology in the social sciences involving the construction of theory through methodic gathering and analysis of data.[1][2][3] Grounded theory is a research methodology which operates inductively, in contrast to the hypothetico-deductive approach. A study using grounded theory is likely to begin with a question, or even just with the collection of qualitative data. As researchers review the data collected, repeated ideas, concepts or elements become apparent, and are tagged with codes, which have been extracted from the data. As more data is collected, and re-reviewed, codes can be grouped into concepts, and then into categories. These categories may become the basis for new theory. Thus, grounded theory is quite different from the traditional model of research, where the researcher chooses an existing theoretical framework, and only then collects data to show how the theory does or does not apply to the phenomenon under study.[4]
Definition
Definition
The goal of the Grounded Theory approach is to generate theories that explain how some aspect of the social world ‘works.’ The goal is to develop a theory that emerges from and is therefore connected to the reality the theory is developed to explain.
The contant comparative method is a method for analyzing data in order to develop a grounded theory. Glaser and Strauss (1967) suggest that when used to generate theory, the comparative analytical method they describe can be applied to social units of any size.
As Glaser and Strauss (1967, pp. 28-52) describe it, this process involves:
Identifying a phenomenon, object, event or setting of interest
Identifying a few local concepts, principles, structural or process features of the experience or phenomenon of interest
Making decisions regarding initial collection of data based one’s initial understanding of the phenomenon. Further data collection cannot be planned in advance of analysis and the emergence of theory
Engaging in theoretical sampling – the key question is what group or subgroups does the researcher turn to next to collect data? Subsequent sampling decisions should be purposeful and relevant.
The rationale for selecting comparision groups is their theoretical relevance for fostering the development of emergent categories.
Constant comparative analysis
The contant comparative method is a method for analyzing data in order to develop a grounded theory. Glaser and Strauss (1967) suggest that when used to generate theory, the comparative analytical method they describe can be applied to social units of any size.
