Week 10: Grounded Theory And Situational Analysis Flashcards
Who were the founders of Grounded Theory (GT)?
A. Juliet Corbin and Barney Glaser
B. Juliet Corbin and Anslem Strauss
C. Barney Glaser and Anslem Strauss
D. Anslem Strauss and Kathy Charmaz
Answer: C. Barney Glaser and Anslem Strauss
Rationale: Glaser and Strauss developed GT in the 1960s.
What was the focus of the seminal study that led to the development of Grounded Theory?
A. Social justice movements
B. Health professionals’ interactions with dying patients
C. Family dynamics during crises
D. Community responses to pandemics
Answer: B. Health professionals’ interactions with dying patients
Rationale: This study formed the foundation for GT.
What philosophical theory is Grounded Theory originally tied to?
A. Phenomenology
B. Symbolic Interactionism
C. Structuralism
D. Postmodernism
Answer: B. Symbolic Interactionism
Rationale: GT explores social interactions and meanings.
According to the Thomas theorem, what determines the consequences of defined situations?
A. Statistical analysis
B. Perceived realities
C. Objective truths
D. External observations
Answer: B. Perceived realities
Rationale: The theorem emphasizes the reality of consequences based on definitions.
Which of the following is not a data source used in Grounded Theory?
A. Field observations
B. Experimental tests
C. Participant interviews
D. Documents such as diaries or reports
Answer: B. Experimental tests
Rationale: GT relies on qualitative data like interviews and field notes.
What did Glaser famously say about data in GT?
A. “Data must always be numeric.”
B. “Data is the foundation of hypotheses.”
C. “Everything is data.”
D. “Data validates theories.”
Answer: C. “Everything is data.”
Rationale: Glaser emphasized the inclusiveness of data
What is the primary aim of Grounded Theory research?
A. To describe phenomena
B. To test hypotheses
C. To explain phenomena
D. To conduct randomized trials
Answer: C. To explain phenomena
Rationale: GT seeks to generate explanatory theories.
What is the process of labeling and grouping concepts in GT called?
A. Coding
B. Sampling
C. Observing
D. Bracketing
Answer: A. Coding
Rationale: Coding is essential for categorizing data in GT
What type of coding is used to develop major categories in GT?
A. Open coding
B. Axial coding
C. Selective coding
D. Theoretical coding
Answer: C. Selective coding
Rationale: Selective coding connects all categories to the core category.
In GT, what does the term “in vivo codes” refer to?
A. Codes developed in experimental settings
B. Codes derived from participants’ language
C. Codes representing theoretical frameworks
D. Codes generated post-analysis
Answer: B. Codes derived from participants’ language
Rationale: “In vivo codes” reflect participants’ own terms
What is theoretical sampling in GT?
A. Random selection of participants
B. Pre-determined data collection
C. Sampling guided by emerging concepts
D. Sampling based on demographic quotas
Answer: C. Sampling guided by emerging concepts
Rationale: Sampling evolves based on theory development.
How is theoretical sensitivity described in GT?
A. Ability to differentiate significant data from less meaningful data
B. Capacity to ensure statistical reliability
C. Focus on participant validation
D. Strict adherence to coding rules
Answer: A. Ability to differentiate significant data from less meaningful data
Rationale: Sensitivity aids in identifying key insights.
How did Glaser and Strauss differ in their approach to GT?
A. Glaser preferred generating hypotheses, while Strauss focused on literature reviews.
B. Strauss explored contingencies beyond the data, while Glaser remained data-focused.
C. Glaser used structured interviews, while Strauss used field observations.
D. Strauss focused on participant validation, while Glaser emphasized coding.
Answer: B. Strauss explored contingencies beyond the data, while Glaser remained data-focused.
Rationale: Their approaches to interpreting data differed significantly.
What is the final step in GT data analysis?
A. Completing axial coding
B. Discovering the core category
C. Conducting member checking
D. Writing theoretical memos
Answer: B. Discovering the core category
Rationale: The core category connects all other categories.
What type of theory is derived from data within a specific context?
A. Substantive Theory
B. Formal Theory
C. Grounded Hypothesis
D. Theoretical Proposition
Answer: A. Substantive Theory
Rationale: Substantive theories are context-specific.
What is the primary feature of Grounded Theory’s methodological approach?
A. Hypothesis-driven research
B. Simultaneous data collection and analysis
C. Use of randomized sampling
D. Focus on quantitative validation
Answer: B. Simultaneous data collection and analysis
Rationale: GT involves collecting and analyzing data concurrently to refine concepts and categories.
How does Grounded Theory approach the use of literature reviews?
A. Extensive reviews are conducted prior to data collection.
B. Reviews are conducted after data analysis to avoid bias.
C. Literature is ignored to maintain objectivity.
D. Only theoretical reviews are permitted.
Answer: B. Reviews are conducted after data analysis to avoid bias.
Rationale: This ensures that pre-existing theories don’t overly influence findings.
What does the constant comparative method in GT involve?
A. Comparing data with established theories
B. Cross-referencing data from different participants continuously
C. Randomly sampling data to ensure diversity
D. Comparing researcher observations with participant feedback
Answer: B. Cross-referencing data from different participants continuously
Rationale: This method ensures emergent patterns are consistent and grounded in data.
What is the purpose of memo writing in Grounded Theory?
A. Documenting research biases
B. Enhancing theoretical sensitivity
C. Recording participant demographics
D. Keeping track of interview schedules
Answer: B. Enhancing theoretical sensitivity
Rationale: Memos help researchers reflect on and refine emerging theories.
What distinguishes substantive theory from formal theory in GT?
A. Substantive theory applies to specific contexts, while formal theory applies across broader domains.
B. Substantive theory is qualitative, while formal theory is quantitative.
C. Substantive theory focuses on variables, while formal theory focuses on processes.
D. Substantive theory uses participant validation, while formal theory does not
Answer: A. Substantive theory applies to specific contexts, while formal theory applies across broader domains.
Rationale: Substantive theory is derived directly from the data of a specific study.
Which of the following best describes the ultimate goal of Grounded Theory research?
A. To confirm existing theories
B. To develop new, data-grounded theories
C. To validate quantitative research
D. To classify data into pre-determined categories
Answer: B. To develop new, data-grounded theories
Rationale: GT generates theories directly from data, rather than testing pre-existing ones
Why does Grounded Theory avoid pre-formulated hypotheses?
A. To align with symbolic interactionism
B. To reduce the influence of researcher bias
C. To increase data quantifiability
D. To facilitate random sampling
Answer: B. To reduce the influence of researcher bias
Rationale: GT aims to let theories emerge organically from data.
What is theoretical saturation in Grounded Theory?
A. When participants no longer provide new data
B. When the researcher has reached a set sample size
C. When no new categories or properties emerge during analysis
D. When data analysis is verified by external reviewers
Answer: C. When no new categories or properties emerge during analysis
Rationale: Saturation indicates that data collection can cease.
What is axial coding in GT?
A. Initial sorting of raw data
B. Connecting and relating categories and subcategories
C. Identifying the core category
D. Grouping codes into thematic clusters
Answer: B. Connecting and relating categories and subcategories
Rationale: Axial coding links categories to build theory systematically.
Which tension is central to debates within Grounded Theory?
A. Flexibility vs. rigidity in data collection methods
B. Emergent theory vs. use of pre-existing frameworks
C. Quantitative vs. qualitative data integration
D. Data interpretation vs. transcription accuracy
Answer: B. Emergent theory vs. use of pre-existing frameworks
Rationale: This tension arises from differing philosophies of Glaser and Strauss.
Which founder emphasized strict adherence to emergent theory in GT?
A. Barney Glaser
B. Anslem Strauss
C. Kathy Charmaz
D. Juliet Corbin
Answer: A. Barney Glaser
Rationale: Glaser preferred to rely solely on emergent data, avoiding preconceptions.
Which GT approach is most aligned with constructivist principles?
A. Glaserian Grounded Theory
B. Strauss and Corbin’s Approach
C. Charmaz’s Constructivist Grounded Theory
D. Critical Hermeneutics
Answer: C. Charmaz’s Constructivist Grounded Theory
Rationale: Charmaz emphasizes co-construction of meaning between researcher and participants.
In applied healthcare research, what is a common use of Grounded Theory?
A. Testing intervention outcomes
B. Exploring patient experiences and behaviors
C. Analyzing epidemiological trends
D. Validating clinical practice guidelines
Answer: B. Exploring patient experiences and behaviors
Rationale: GT provides insights into processes and experiences.
What is meant by “fit” in Grounded Theory?
A. Data aligns with pre-existing categories
B. The theory matches the data and participants’ realities
C. Participant demographics match research objectives
D. Data collection aligns with statistical validity
Answer: B. The theory matches the data and participants’ realities
Rationale: Theories must resonate with participants’ lived experiences.
How does Grounded Theory address generalizability?
A. By focusing on transferable processes and concepts
B. Through large sample sizes
C. By comparing findings with quantitative data
D. Through randomized sampling techniques
Answer: A. By focusing on transferable processes and concepts
Rationale: GT focuses on generating theories applicable in similar contexts.
