Grounded Theory

Definition

Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that aims to develop theories based on data systematically gathered and analyzed. This approach emphasizes generating theories that are grounded in real-world observations rather than testing existing hypotheses. Researchers using grounded theory collect data through various methods, such as interviews and observations, and continuously analyze this data to refine their understanding and develop new insights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Grounded theory was first developed by sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in the 1960s as a way to better understand social processes.
2. This methodology is iterative, meaning that researchers constantly go back and forth between data collection and analysis to refine their theories.
3. In grounded theory, coding is a critical step where researchers break down qualitative data into discrete parts to identify patterns and themes.
4. Theoretical sampling allows researchers to adjust their data collection strategy based on the developing theoretical insights, ensuring that the research remains focused on relevant categories.
5. Grounded theory is widely used across various fields, including business anthropology, sociology, and psychology, for its ability to produce nuanced theories from complex social phenomena.

Review Questions

• How does grounded theory facilitate the development of new theories in qualitative research?
  • Grounded theory allows researchers to develop new theories by collecting and analyzing data concurrently. This means that as researchers gather insights through interviews or observations, they continuously analyze this information, leading them to refine their understanding and evolve new theoretical concepts. By focusing on real-world experiences rather than pre-existing theories, grounded theory produces theories that are closely aligned with actual social practices.
• Discuss the role of coding in grounded theory and how it impacts data analysis.
  • In grounded theory, coding plays a crucial role in organizing qualitative data into meaningful categories and identifying patterns. Researchers begin with open coding, where they break down the data into segments, followed by axial coding to connect these segments into broader themes. This systematic approach not only helps in managing vast amounts of qualitative data but also enhances the depth of analysis by allowing researchers to see relationships between concepts and refine their theories based on these insights.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of theoretical sampling in refining grounded theory research outcomes.
  • Theoretical sampling is highly effective in refining outcomes within grounded theory research because it allows researchers to adapt their data collection strategy based on emerging insights. As researchers analyze initial data, they can identify gaps or new areas of interest and specifically seek out participants or contexts that will provide more relevant information. This flexibility enhances the richness of the findings, as it ensures that the resulting theories are well-grounded in comprehensive data reflective of real-world complexities.

Related terms

Qualitative Research:

A research method focused on exploring human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior, often involving open-ended questions and rich narrative data.

Coding: The process of categorizing and organizing qualitative data into meaningful themes or patterns during data analysis.

Theoretical Sampling: A sampling method used in grounded theory where data is collected based on emerging categories and concepts, guiding further data collection.