grounded theory Flashcards
(4 cards)
what Is grounded theory
- a way of analysing qualitative data
- not using existing theory but finding theory from the data, the theory is grounded in the data
- goal of analysis is to generate a useful theory from the data, a theory that explains the data
- looks at data and sees ideas and themes that are repeated
- uses these to categories and groups accordingly.
- then theory is put forward
- doesn’t analyse data with a theory already in mind
how to conduct grounded theory
- ask a question
- get some data in that area of interest, usually qualitative t get richness and detail
- code chunks of data to represent clearly what is being said/ illustrated
- put the codes into concepts and categorise into similarities and differences. and keep revisiting
- build a model of how the concepts might best be explained - which becomes a theory
- go back and forth from the data / codes through concepts to the model and check the fit like in thematic analysis
strengths
Grounded theory generates theory directly from real-world data.
involves collecting qualitative data (e.g., interviews) and building a theory bottom-up, meaning the theory is grounded in participants’ actual experiences.
This increases ecological validity and relevance, especially in areas where little prior research exists. For example, Glaser and Strauss developed the method while studying dying patients in hospitals — something that could not be captured through artificial lab studies.
A strength of grounded theory it can lead to wider and deeper understanding. Grounded theory is helpful to develop an understanding phenomenon that cannot be explained with existing theories and paradigms.This allows psychologists to develop novel theoretical insights, especially in emerging fields benefiting individuals
weaknesses
Grounded theory can lack objectivity and be influenced by researcher bias.
Because the researcher plays a central role in interpreting the data and developing codes/themes, their subjective views may affect the outcome.
This lowers the internal validity and reliability of findings,
A weakness of grounded theory is that there is low temporal validity
If a theory is grounded in research, then it may be time bound.
Therefore, research may not be representative of modern times as crime is a social construct that is dynamic and changes over time as we learn more about offending behaviour.
A weakness of grounded theory is that there is low objectivity.
It is very difficult to code and categorise concepts without some theory in mind.
Therefore, as the data is largely qualitative there will be elements of bias
Grounded theory can be time-consuming
The data collection and coding process is labor-intensive, requiring constant comparison, memo-writing, and theory refinement over time.
This reduces practicality and means that important theories take longer to apply to psychology and benefit society may already be discoverd
