Grounded theory,A qualitative research method

2. Historical overview and key contributors
• Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that was developed
in the 1960s by sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss.
• Their collaboration in research on dying hospital patients led them to write
the book Awareness of Dying. In this research, they developed the constant
comparative method, later known as the Grounded Theory Method
• Glaser and Strauss published their seminal work, 'The Discovery of
Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research,' in 1967.
• Glasser and Strauss Later diverged in their view of Grounded theory
• Other key contributors to the development of grounded theory include
Kathy Charmaz, who expanded on the role of reflexivity and theoretical
sensitivity in the research process

3. Grounded Theory
• The phrase “Grounded theory” refers to the theory that is developed
Inductively from a corpus of data
• Grounded theory is a research method that operates almost in a reverse
fashion from traditional research. Rather than beginning with the
hypothesis, the 1st step is data collection.
• A grounded theory design is a systematic, qualitative procedure used
to generate a theory that explains, at a broad conceptual level, a
process, and action, or an interaction about a substantive topic
(Creswell, 2008).
• “Grounded theory is the study of a concept! It is not a descriptive
study of a descriptive problem” (Glaser,2010).

4. Theoretical Underpinnings of Grounded
Theory
• Inductive Reasoning and Theory Development:
• emphasizes inductive reasoning, allowing researchers to derive general principles from specific
observations (Glaser & Strauss, 1967).
• By starting with empirical data and systematically developing theories from these observations,
researchers can ensure that their theoretical frameworks are firmly grounded in the data they have
collected (Charmaz, 2014).
• Symbolic Interactionism and Pragmatism:
• The application of symbolic interactionism within GT underscores the importance of understanding
how individuals construct meaning through their social interactions (Blumer, 1969).
• Furthermore, the pragmatic approach emphasizes the practical consequences of actions and the
need for empirical validation in theory development (Mills, 1940).
• Emergence of Concepts and Categories:
• allows for the organic emergence of concepts and categories from the data, ensuring that the
resulting theories are firmly grounded in the lived experiences of the participants (Charmaz, 2006).
• This process helps researchers avoid imposing preconceived categories on the data and allows for a
more authentic representation of the participants' realities.

5. Glaserian
Grounded
Theory
Developed by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss, this approach emphasizes the importance of
open coding and theoretical sensitivity. Glaserian GT is considered to be a more inductive
approach, with less emphasis on the development of formal theories.
Straussian
Grounded
Theory
Developed by Anselm Strauss and Juliet Corbin, this approach emphasizes the importance of
axial coding and the development of core categories. Straussian GT is considered to be a more
deductive approach, with more emphasis on the development of formal theories.
Constructivist
Grounded
Theory
Developed by Kathy Charmaz, this approach emphasizes the role of the researcher in
constructing meaning from data. Constructivist GT acknowledges that researchers are not
neutral observers, but rather they bring their own biases and perspectives to the research
process.

6. Nature of Grounded theory
Theoretical
Cyclical
Analytical
Grounded theory is a theoretical approach to research that emphasizes the development of new
theories that are grounded in data. This means that the theories are not derived from existing
hypotheses or preconceived notions, but rather from the careful analysis of empirical data.
Grounded theory is a cyclical process that involves the continuous collection, analysis, and
interpretation of data. This iterative process allows researchers to refine their theories as they learn
more about the phenomenon under study.
Grounded theory is an analytical approach to research that emphasizes the identification and
interpretation of patterns and relationships in data. This involves a systematic and rigorous process
of coding, memo writing, and theoretical integration.

7. Steps in constructing the grounded theory
• Data collection
• Data analysis
1. Coding
• Open coding
• Axial coding
• Theoretical coding
2. Memo-writing
• Theoretical sampling, saturation, and scoring
• Writing the draft

9. • Interviews
• Focus groups
• Case studies
• Secondary data
• Experimnents

10. Data Analysis
• Data analysis in grounded
theory is a complex and
iterative process that involves
multiple stages of coding and
memoing.
• Coding is the pivotal link
between collecting data and
developing an emergent theory
to explain these data
• Coding defines what is
happening in the data and
begins to grapple with what it
means

11. Open Coding
• Open coding involves breaking the data into discrete parts and
generating initial codes to identify concepts, categories, and themes.
• It allows researchers to remain open to the data and facilitates the
creation of a comprehensive initial coding scheme.
• Open coding can be done as
• Word-by-Word coding
• Line-by-Line coding
• Incident to Incident coding

12. Axial Coding
• Axial Coding: The significance of axial coding is in establishing
connections between categories and subcategories identified during
open coding.
• explore the relationships between different concepts and categories,
leading to a more organized and interconnected coding structure.

13. Selective Coding
• final step in the coding process.
• focuses on the core category or central phenomenon that encapsulates
the main theme of the data.
• It helps integrate and refine the categories identified through open and
axial coding to develop a coherent and comprehensive theoretical
framework.

15. • Memo writing is a critical aspect of the Grounded Theory methodology,
facilitating the organization and analysis of data throughout the research
process
• According to Charmaz (2006), memo writing involves the systematic
recording of thoughts, reflections, and analytical insights that arise
during the research process.
• Memos serve as a means to capture the researcher's interpretations,
ideas, and connections between data, concepts, and categories and help
to maintain transparency and traceability in the development of the
grounded theory.
• It’s a way for researchers to engage in a dialogue with their data, enabling
the development and refinement of theoretical concepts and the exploration
of emerging patterns and relationships.

17. • "Theoretical sampling" allows researchers to systematically select data
for analysis based on emerging theoretical insights and concepts.
• theoretical sampling as a method of data collection and analysis that
focuses on selecting data based on theoretical relevance and emerging
conceptual insights.
• The purpose of theoretical sampling is to gather data that can help
researchers refine and develop theoretical categories, allowing for the
exploration of new and emerging concepts within the data.
• Conceptual sensitivity enables researchers to select data that can
further develop or challenge existing theoretical categories, facilitating
a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the research
phenomenon.

18. Cont.
• the iterative nature of theoretical sampling, emphasizes that the
process of data collection and analysis should continuously inform
each other.
• Researchers are encouraged to select new participants or sources of
data that can provide diverse perspectives and experiences,
contributing to the refinement and development of theoretical concepts
and categories.
• Researchers are encouraged to critically reflect on their assumptions
and biases, allowing for the adaptation of the sampling strategy to
account for new theoretical insights and unexpected findings that may
emerge during the research process.

19. • the point in qualitative data analysis where the collection of new data ceases to
provide additional insights or dimensions to the emerging theory.
• Saturation is a critical aspect of grounded theory research, indicating that the data
has been examined, and the identified categories and concepts are comprehensive
and well-developed.
• indicators may include the repetition of themes or concepts across different data
sources, the emergence of redundant information, and the confirmation of
previously identified categories without the introduction of new dimensions.
Types of Saturation
• Data saturation refers to the point at which no new data or information is obtained from the
data sources
• theoretical saturation signifies that the theoretical categories have been fully explored and
developed.
• Category saturation indicates that the identified categories are well-defined and exhaustive,
leaving no room for the addition of new categories.

20. Theoretical sensetivity
• The researcher should be sensitive to the theoretical implications of
their findings, and they should be able to connect their theory to
existing literature.

21. • The draft serves as a
preliminary framework for
presenting the developed
grounded theory, enabling
researchers to structure
their findings and insights
coherently and
comprehensively.

22. • The following key challenge in grounded theory research is the need to
address
1. Bias and subjectivity in data interpretation. Researchers must be aware
of their own biases and preconceptions that could potentially influence
the interpretation and analysis of the data.
2. Balancing theoretical sensitivity and open-mindedness: It involves
maintaining a delicate equilibrium between being receptive to emerging
patterns in the data while also staying open to unexpected or contradictory
information that might challenge existing theoretical assumption
3. Managing complexity and scope in data analysis: it involves dealing
with a large volume of qualitative data and ensuring that the analysis
remains focused and coherent

23. • Reflexivity and Self-Awareness
• Triangulation of Data Sources
• Negative case analysis
• Peer Debriefing and Member Checking
• Maintaining Transparency

24. • Constant Comparison Analysis
• Conceptual Flexibility
• Critical Reflection and Iterative Analysis
• Peer Review and Feedback

25. Managing complexity and scope in data
analysis
• Thematic Organization
• Prioritization of Key Concepts
• Data Reduction Techniques
• Constant Refinement and Iterative Analysis
• Consultation with Peers and Experts

26. Ethical Considerations in Grounded
Theory Research
• Informed Consent and Privacy Agreements
• Respect for Autonomy and Privacy
• Transparency and Honesty.
• Use of Pseudonyms or Coding Systems
• Secure Data Storage and Access Control/Data Protection and Security
• Ethics Committee Approval and Compliance
• Cultural Competence
• Ethical Flexibility

27. • Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide
through Qualitative Analysis. Sage Publications.
• Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1998). Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques
and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory. Sage.
• Tracy, S. J. (2010). Qualitative research methods: Collecting
evidence, crafting analysis, communicating impact. Blackwell Publishing.
• Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2011). Grounded theory: A practical guide. SAGE
Publications.