Grounded theory research is a qualitative research method that was developed by Barney G. Glaser and Anselm L. Strauss in the 1960s. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of grounded theory, its core principles, features, types, the research process involved, and its application in academic research.
Grounded theory: This research focuses on systematically generating theories or concepts from empirical data rather than starting with preconceived hypotheses or theories. It was developed in the 1960s and has since been widely used in various academic disciplines, particularly in the social sciences.
“The core idea behind this theory is to explore and understand a particular phenomenon, social process, or context by collecting and analyzing data from interviews, observations, or documents. Researchers use an inductive approach, allowing theories and concepts to emerge directly from the data. This process involves constant comparison and iterative data collection and analysis, ultimately leading to the development of substantive theories that are grounded in the data itself.”
grounded theory qualitative research emphasizes the importance of staying close to the data, maintaining flexibility in research design, and continually refining and revising theories as new insights emerge. It is a valuable approach for exploring complex and poorly understood social phenomena and has applications in various fields, including sociology, psychology, nursing, education, and more.
PRINCIPLES OF grounded theory qualitative research
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Data-Driven Approach
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Grounded theory is fundamentally grounded in empirical data. Unlike other research methodologies that start with a predefined hypothesis, grounded theory begins with data collection and analysis. Researchers aim to discover patterns and generate theories from the data itself. This inductive approach allows for the development of new and contextually relevant theories.
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Theoretical Sampling
One of the key principles of grounded theory qualitative research is theoretical sampling. Researchers iteratively select and collect data that will help them refine and develop their emerging theories. This process continues until saturation is reached, where new data no longer contributes to theory development.
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Constant Comparative Analysis
Constant comparative analysis is the heart of grounded theory qualitative research. Researchers constantly compare data, codes, and categories to identify relationships, themes, and patterns. Through this iterative process, theories are developed and refined.
TYPES OF GROUNDED THEORY RESEARCH
As a qualitative research methodology, grounded theory research has evolved over the years, leading to the development of various approaches or types within the broader grounded theory framework. These types share the core principles of data-driven theory development but may differ in terms of specific procedures, purposes, or philosophical orientations. Here are some of the key types of this theory.
Classic Grounded Theory (CGT):
Classic grounded theory, as developed by Barney G. Glaser and Anselm L. Strauss, is the original and foundational type of grounded theory research. It aims to discover and develop theories that are grounded in empirical data. Researchers using CGT engage in a systematic process of coding and constant comparative analysis to generate abstract concepts and theories from the data.
Straussian Grounded Theory (SGT):
Developed by Anselm Strauss after his collaboration with Glaser, this type is another prominent approach. SGT tends to be more structured and prescriptive in its approach compared to CGT. It often involves the use of predetermined coding schemes and a more structured research process.
TYPES OF GROUNDED THEORY, Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT):
This theory is sometimes referred to as Charmazian grounded theory after its developer, Kathy Charmaz, takes a more interpretive and constructivist stance. It emphasizes the role of researchers in shaping the analysis and focuses on understanding the multiple perspectives of participants. CGT acknowledges the influence of researchers’ backgrounds and perspectives on the research process.
Postmodern Grounded Theory:
This approach draws from postmodern and critical perspectives and is critical of the idea of a single objective truth. This theory often explores power dynamics and multiple realities in the data, challenging traditional notions of objectivity and neutrality.
Feminist Grounded Theory:
This theory can also be applied within a feminist framework. Researchers using feminist theory often focus on issues related to gender, power, and social justice. They consider the impact of gender and intersectionality on their research and the development of theories.
Applied Grounded Theory:
While this theory is often associated with theory development, this emphasizes its practical application. Researchers in this approach may use this theory to address specific practical problems, such as designing interventions, developing policies, or improving organizational processes.
Ethnographic Grounded Theory:
Ethnographic grounded theory combines elements of grounded theory with ethnographic research methods. Researchers immerse themselves in the research context, using participant observation and interviews to develop theories grounded in the culture and practices of the studied community.
It’s important to note that while these variations exist, they all share the foundational principles such as the focus on generating theories from data and the iterative process of data collection and analysis. Researchers may choose a particular type of grounded theory based on their research goals, philosophical orientation, and the nature of the research questions they seek to answer.
PROCESS OF GROUNDED THEORY RESEARCH
Data Collection
The first step of grounded theory research is data collection. This can involve various methods such as interviews, observations, and document analysis. Researchers aim to gather rich, context-specific data that will serve as the foundation for theory development.
Open Coding
In the open coding phase, researchers analyze the data line by line, assigning codes to segments of text or observations. This initial coding is open-ended, allowing for the emergence of categories and concepts from the data.
Axial Coding
Axial coding involves the organization of open codes into categories and subcategories. Researchers explore the relationships between these categories, creating a more structured framework for analysis.
Selective Coding
Selective coding is the final stage of grounded theory research. Researchers focus on the core category that represents the central theme of their emerging theory. This category is refined and linked to other categories to create a coherent and comprehensive theoretical framework.
Theory Development
Throughout the coding process, researchers continually refine and develop their theory. This theory aims to generate a substantive theory that explains a particular phenomenon within its context. This theory is grounded in the data and is often presented in a narrative format.
Uses of Grounded theory
Sociology
grounded theory qualitative research is widely used in sociology to explore and understand complex social phenomena. Researchers employ this methodology to develop theories on topics such as deviance, socialization, and organizational behavior.
Psychology
In psychology, grounded theory research can be applied to investigate various aspects of human behavior and cognition. Researchers use it to develop theories related to mental health, personality, and interpersonal relationships.
Nursing and Healthcare
This theory is valuable in nursing and healthcare research for understanding patient experiences, healthcare delivery, and the development of nursing theories. It helps in improving patient care and nursing practice.
Education
Educational researchers use this theory to explore teaching and learning processes, curriculum development, and educational policy. It aids in generating theories that inform educational practices and policies.
Conclusion
This theory is a powerful qualitative research methodology that allows researchers to develop theories directly from empirical data. Its core principles of data-driven exploration, theoretical sampling, and constant comparative analysis make it a valuable tool in various academic disciplines. By adhering to the grounded theory research process, scholars can uncover deep insights and generate contextually relevant theories that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields. Grounded theory’s flexibility and adaptability make it a valuable approach for addressing complex research questions and understanding the complexities of human phenomena.