Grounded theory is a qualitative research approach that attempts to uncover the meanings of people’s social actions, interactions and experiences. These explanations are called ‘grounded’ because they are grounded in the participants’ own explanations or interpretations. Show
Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss originated this method in their 1967 book, The Discovery Of Grounded Theory. The grounded theory approach has been used by researchers in various disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics and public health. Grounded theory qualitative research was considered path-breaking in many respects upon its arrival. The inductive method allowed the analysis of data during the collection process. It also shifted focus away from the existing practice of verification, which researchers felt didn’t always produce rigorous results. Let’s take a closer look at grounded theory research.
What Is Grounded Theory?Grounded theory is a qualitative method designed to help arrive at new theories and deductions. Researchers collect data through any means they prefer and then analyze the facts to arrive at concepts. Through a comparison of these concepts, they plan theories. They continue until they reach sample saturation, in which no new information upsets the theory they have formulated. Then they put forth their final theory. In grounded theory research, the framework description guides the researcher’s own interpretation of data. A data description is the researcher’s algorithm for collecting and organizing data while also constructing a conceptual model that can be tested against new observations. Grounded theory doesn’t assume that there’s a single meaning of an event, object or concept. In grounded theory, you interpret all data as information or materials that fit into categories your research team creates. How To Conduct Grounded Theory ResearchNow that we’ve examined what is grounded theory, let’s inspect how it’s conducted. There are four steps involved in grounded theory research:
Grounded theory is a relatively recent addition to the tools at a researcher’s disposal. There are several methods of conducting grounded theory research. The following processes are common features:
Data collection in the grounded theory method can include both quantitative and qualitative methods. Features Of Grounded TheoryBy now, it’s clear that grounded theory is unlike other research techniques. Here are some of its salient features:
Grounded theory qualitative research is a dynamic and flexible approach to research that answers questions other formats can’t. Grounded Theory ExampleGrounded theory can be used in organizations to create a competitive advantage for a company. Here are some grounded theory examples:
These are just some of the possible applications of grounded theory in a business setting. Advantages Of Grounded TheoryIts flexibility allows its uses to be virtually endless. But there are still advantages and disadvantages that make the grounded theory more or less appropriate for a subject of study. Here are the advantages:
As with any method, there are some drawbacks too that researchers should consider. Here are a few:
While professionals may never have to conduct research like this themselves, an understanding of the kinds of analytical tools available can help when there are decisions to be made in the workplace. Harappa’s Thinking Critically course can help with just this. Analytical skills are some of the most sought-after soft skills in the professional world. The earlier managers can master these, the more value they’ll bring to the organization. With our transformative course and inspiring faculty, empower your teams with the ability to think through any problem, no matter how large. Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as Meaning Of Halo Effect, Different Brainstorming Methods, Operant Conditioning Theory of learning and How To Improve Analytical Skills to upgrade your knowledge and skills. What are the examples of grounded theory research?Grounded theory is often used by the HR department. For instance, they might study why employees are frustrated by their work. Employees can explain what they feel is lacking. HR then gathers this data, examines the results to discover the root cause of their problems and presents solutions.
What topics are better suited for grounded theory?As an exploratory method, grounded theory is particularly well suited for investigating social processes that have attracted little prior research attention, where the previous research is lacking in breadth and/or depth, or where a new point of view on familiar topics appears promising.
What is grounded theory in educational research?Grounded theory (GT) is a research approach to study processes, interactions, and actions for the purpose of developing middle-range theories of substantive problems that people experience. It was originally developed by the sociologists Barney Glaser (b. 1930) and Anselm Strauss (b.
How do you create a grounded theory study?Steps for grounded theory. Determine initial research questions.. Recruit and collect data (theoretical sampling). Break transcripts into excerpts (open coding). Group excerpts into codes (open coding). Group codes into categories (axial coding). Analyze more excerpts and compare with codes.. |