Grounded theory Flashcards
(18 cards)
Grounded theory
Grounded Theory is a widely respected, rigorous and commonly used qualitative research method used to develop a theory directly from data
What are the three approaches to grounded theory
There are three main approaches to Grounded Theory, each with slightly different philosophical foundations and methods
Classical (Glaserian)
Interpretive (Straussian)
Constructivist (Charmazian)
Is grounded theory inductive or deductive
Inductive - data driven
Key features of grounded theory
It is an inductive methodology which requires the researcher to look at the data multiple times to find patterns (themes), and eventually creates a theory about the topic or group being studied.
The researcher should try not to bias or influence the themes and theory in any way
The analyst’s role is to generate and interpret a theory directly from what the participants have said, rather than hypothesis about what the data could mean in a wider theoretical context
Key principles of grounded theory
- No ‘a priori’ Assumptions
- Data-driven analysis
- Coding ‘in vivo’
- Constant comparison
- Reflexive practice
- Theoretical sampling
- Testable theory
Coding ‘in vivo’
The first level of analysis (open coding) requires the analyst to use the words from their participants to code the transcripts - every line of the data has a code that is aligned to it
Reflexive practice
Memo notes should be kept through the research process - these notes can be the researcher’s personal reflections, their initial thoughts on the data etc
Theoretical sampling
Researchers should reflect at each stage of the analysis to check for their biases or potential gaps in the data collected
Testable theory
Once the theory has been generated you can take the theory and use it as a testable hypothesis in new populations or similar phenomena to see whether the theory you have generated applies in a new population or with a new phenomena
Why would researchers pick grounded theory
To develop a theory - Enables the researcher to dig deep into the data and allows the data from the source to shape the final outcome of the research
Why is grounded theory useful
It is very useful when you are trying to understand a phenomenon or population of which you have no prior knowledge or little is documented either empirically or colloquially
Enables researchers to not only find and present something interesting but have a working theory which they can then go and test in new populations or with different phenomena
When is grounded theory not appropriate
Grounded theory is only appropriate when you are attempting to generate a theory about a specific population and/or phenomenon
Not appropriate to use in evaluative studies
Glaser
Argued that grounded theory could be applied to all data - not only qualitative but quant, psychometric, stats
But grounded theory has almost exclusively been used as a qualitative methodology
Glaserian
Classic grounded theory
Philosophy: Objectivist/positivist – assumes the researcher discovers theory that already exists in the data.
Very open-ended and data-driven.
Emphasizes letting the theory emerge naturally without forcing it.
Avoids preconceptions or heavy use of existing literature at the start.
Uses core categories and theoretical coding.
Straussian
Philosophy: More structured and pragmatic, still somewhat positivist but more open to interpretation.
More prescriptive and detailed coding steps (open, axial, and selective coding).
Encourages more active role of the researcher in shaping the theory.
Allows early engagement with existing literature.
Often uses coding frameworks and diagrams.
Constructivist
Philosophy: Constructivist – assumes that theory is co-constructed by the researcher and participants; there’s no objective truth, only interpretations.
Recognizes the researcher’s influence on the data and analysis.
Emphasizes reflexivity and interpretation.
Focuses on participants’ meanings and experiences.
More flexible and less rigid than the other two.
When has grounded theory been used in health research
Grounded theory has been widely used in health research to explore complex experiences, behaviors, and processes in areas where existing theory may be lacking. Because it focuses on developing theory directly from data, it’s especially useful for understanding how patients, healthcare providers, or families experience and respond to health-related issues.
Example of grounded theory being used in cross-disciplinary qualitative health research
Silverio et al, 2019
Derived from the classical grounded theory methodology
Looked at the identity changes Anaesthetists had to go through to perform, and how the training allowed them to resume their Anaesthetic identity
