Grounded theory

Definition

Grounded theory is a qualitative research method that aims to develop theories based on data systematically gathered and analyzed. This approach is unique because it focuses on generating theories from the ground up, rather than testing existing theories, allowing researchers to uncover patterns and insights that are closely tied to real-world experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Grounded theory involves iterative cycles of data collection and analysis, allowing researchers to refine their emerging theories as new data is gathered.
2. This method is often used in fields like sociology, nursing, and education to understand complex social phenomena and behaviors.
3. Researchers using grounded theory typically begin with open coding before moving on to axial coding, which helps connect categories and identify relationships between them.
4. One key aspect of grounded theory is its emphasis on participant perspectives, ensuring that the resulting theories are rooted in real-world experiences and contexts.
5. Grounded theory can lead to the development of substantive theories, which are specific to particular areas of study, or formal theories that are more abstract and broadly applicable.

Review Questions

• How does grounded theory differ from traditional qualitative research methods in terms of theory development?
  • Grounded theory differs from traditional qualitative research methods by emphasizing the development of theories directly from the data collected during the research process. Rather than starting with an existing theory and testing it, grounded theory encourages researchers to derive new insights and frameworks based on participants' experiences. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of social phenomena and leads to theories that are closely aligned with real-world contexts.
• Discuss the role of open coding in grounded theory and how it contributes to the overall research process.
  • Open coding plays a critical role in grounded theory as it is the first step in analyzing qualitative data. During this phase, researchers break down the data into smaller parts to identify key themes and categories. This process helps in organizing the data and provides a foundation for further analysis, such as axial coding, which connects the identified themes. Open coding not only facilitates a deeper understanding of the data but also serves as a starting point for developing theories that emerge from the participants' lived experiences.
• Evaluate how the iterative nature of grounded theory enhances the validity and reliability of research findings.
  • The iterative nature of grounded theory enhances the validity and reliability of research findings by allowing researchers to continuously refine their theories based on ongoing data collection and analysis. This process involves returning to participants for additional insights or seeking out new data sources as theories evolve. By ensuring that the emerging theories are consistently informed by real-world experiences, grounded theory helps to validate findings through triangulation of data. Additionally, this iterative approach allows researchers to address gaps or inconsistencies in their initial analyses, leading to more robust and trustworthy conclusions.

Related terms

Theoretical Sampling: A process in qualitative research where data is collected from specific groups or individuals that can help develop or refine a theory, guiding further data collection.

Open Coding: The initial stage of qualitative data analysis where researchers break down data into discrete parts to identify key themes and categories.

Memoing: The practice of writing reflective notes throughout the research process to capture insights, ideas, and connections that can aid in theory development.