Grounded theory is a qualitative research method introduced in 1967 by Glaser and Strauss. It involves developing a theory grounded in data that is systematically gathered and analyzed through the constant comparative method. This iterative process involves collecting data, analyzing through coding and memo writing, and sorting memos to develop conceptual categories to generate an emergent theory. The theory should fit and work to explain the phenomenon under study. Grounded theory challenges assumptions that qualitative research is not systematic or rigorous and aims to develop conceptual theories rather than just descriptive case studies.

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2. Grounded Theory
o History
 Introduced in 1967 by Glaser and
Strauss in the book The Discovery of
Grounded Theory
- Challenged:
1. divisions between theory and
research
2. the notion that qualitative research
was a precursor to more “rigorous”
quantitative research

3. Grounded Theory
o History
- Challenged:
3. beliefs that qualitative research
methods are impressionistic and
unsystematic
4. the separation of data collection
and analysis
5. assumptions that qualitative
research could produce only
descriptive cast studies rather than
theory development

4. Grounded Theory
o History
 Strauss believed that the quality of a
theory can be evaluated by the
process by which that theory was
constructed, which is in contrast to
the scientific perspective that states
the quality of a theory is determined
by its ability to explain new data.

5. Grounded Theory
o Defining
Grounded Theory: refers to theory
that is developed inductively from a
corpus of data
(Steve Borgatti:
http://www.analytictech.com/mb870/introtoGT.htm)

6. Grounded Theory
o Defining
Grounded Theory: the systematic
generation of theory from systematic
research; a set of rigorous research
procedures leading to the emergence
of conceptual categories

7. Grounded Theory
o Characteristics
1. Purpose is to develop to theory
about phenomenon of interest
- should be grounded or rooted in
observation
2. Allows researcher to seek out and
conceptualize latent social patterns
and structures through constant
comparisons

8. Grounded Theory
o Characteristics
3. Iterative (repetitive) process
4. Rich description is important, but
not primary focus
5. Purposive sampling

9. Grounded Theory
o Glaserian Hallmarks
1. Researchers must find the core
variable (the main concern and its
recurrent solutions) as the first
stage of the study, and limit the
scope of their study to that

10. Grounded Theory
o Glaserian Hallmarks
2. Researcher must suspend existing
beliefs/preconceptions, remain
open, and trust in the emergence of
concepts from the data

11. Grounded Theory
o Glaserian Hallmarks
Use constant comparison method to
provide abstract conceptualizations
and avoid descriptive
interpretations
- is the heart of GT
- helps facilitate the discovery of
patterns in the data

12. Grounded Theory
o Stages/Steps
1. Topic selection and preparation
- minimize preconceptions
- Do not do a literature review at
this point!
2. Data collection
- a variety of methods can be used

13. Grounded Theory
o Stages/Steps
3. Analysis
constant comparative method:
involves comparing one segment of
data with another to determine
similarities and differences
a. overall objective is to identify
patterns in the data

14. Grounded Theory
o Stages/Steps
3. Analysis
b. While you do comparisons you
will be taking notes and coding
coding: identifying categories and
properties
- can be done formally or
informally

15. Grounded Theory
o Stages/Steps
3. Analysis
c. Ask 3 general questions of the
data:
1. What is the data a study of?
2. What category does this
incident indicate?
3. What is actually happening in
the data?

16. Grounded Theory
o Stages/Steps
4. Memoing
memos: theorizing write-up of ideas
about codes and their relationships
- notes to yourself
* Data collection, analysis, and
memoing are ongoing and overlap

17. Grounded Theory
o Stages/Steps
Data collection
Note taking
Coding
Memoing
Sorting
Writing

18. Grounded Theory
o Stages/Steps
Notes Codes
Memos

19. Grounded Theory
o Stages/Steps
5. Sorting and Theoretical Outline:
refers to conceptual sorting of
memos into an outline of the
emergent theory, showing
relationships and concepts
6. Write up/report

20. Grounded Theory
o The Literature
1. Avoid reading literature regarding
the specifics of your study at first,
rather read broadly
2. Access relevant literature as it
becomes relevant
3. Can be used as data

21. Grounded Theory
o Adequacy of Theory
2 Criteria:
1. The theory must fit the situation
2. The theory must work

22. Grounded Theory
o YouTube Videos
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S1kJ0k3yHk
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcpxaLQDnLk
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwR9K17kul0
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6RpQelvS1k