Grounded Theory

Definition

Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that aims to develop theories grounded in data systematically collected and analyzed. This approach focuses on generating theory rather than testing existing ones, allowing researchers to understand complex social processes within a particular context, like education. By using grounded theory, researchers can build a conceptual framework that emerges directly from participants' experiences and interactions, making it especially relevant in exploring the dynamics of mathematics education.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Grounded theory was developed by sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in the 1960s as a response to existing methodologies that focused more on verification than theory generation.
2. In mathematics education, grounded theory can help researchers understand how students learn mathematical concepts and how teachers facilitate this learning process.
3. Grounded theory emphasizes iterative data collection and analysis, meaning that researchers constantly refine their focus based on what they learn from their data.
4. The end result of grounded theory research is often a set of theoretical categories that can provide insights into patterns of behavior, practices, or beliefs within a specific educational context.
5. Researchers using grounded theory must be open to changing their perspectives as new data emerges, which can lead to unexpected findings and deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Review Questions

• How does grounded theory differ from traditional research methodologies in the context of mathematics education?
  • Grounded theory differs from traditional research methodologies by prioritizing the generation of new theories based on data rather than testing pre-existing theories. In mathematics education, this means researchers can explore how students interact with mathematical concepts in real-world settings, leading to insights that may not emerge from more rigid methodologies. By being flexible and responsive to the data collected, grounded theory allows for a richer understanding of educational processes and practices.
• Discuss the importance of theoretical sampling in grounded theory research within mathematics education.
  • Theoretical sampling is crucial in grounded theory research as it allows researchers to gather specific data that will help refine and develop emerging theories. In the context of mathematics education, this means selecting participants who can provide insights into particular teaching strategies or learning challenges. By focusing on those most relevant to the evolving theoretical framework, researchers can ensure that their findings are robust and applicable to real-world educational scenarios.
• Evaluate how the iterative nature of data collection and analysis in grounded theory contributes to developing theories about teaching practices in mathematics education.
  • The iterative nature of data collection and analysis in grounded theory significantly enhances the development of theories about teaching practices in mathematics education. As researchers gather and analyze data simultaneously, they continuously adapt their focus based on emerging insights. This dynamic process allows them to capture the complexities of classroom interactions and teaching methodologies more accurately. Consequently, the resulting theories are well-grounded in actual classroom experiences, making them more relevant and applicable to educators seeking to improve their instructional strategies.

Related terms

Qualitative Research: A type of research that focuses on understanding human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior, often using interviews, observations, and open-ended questions.

Theoretical Sampling: A technique used in grounded theory where data collection is guided by the emerging theory, allowing researchers to select participants or data sources that are most relevant to the developing concepts.

Coding: The process of organizing and categorizing qualitative data into meaningful themes or concepts, which is a critical step in grounded theory analysis.