Grounded Theory Explained in Simple Terms

Summary

Grounded theory is a qualitative research method that enables the creation of theories directly from real-world data. Unlike traditional research, where hypotheses guide the process, grounded theory involves an iterative cycle of data collection and analysis. Key steps include open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, through which researchers refine their theories as more data is gathered. It is especially useful when existing theories are inadequate or incomplete. This method allows for developing robust, data-driven theories tailored to specific research contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Grounded theory is a qualitative research method that helps derive new theories based on real-world data collection and analysis.
• 😀 Unlike other research methods, grounded theory doesn't start with a hypothesis; instead, theories emerge from the data itself.
• 😀 Grounded theory involves iterative data collection and analysis, meaning that these steps happen in cycles rather than distinct phases.
• 😀 The data collection process in grounded theory is known as theoretical sampling, where data collection and participant recruitment evolve over time.
• 😀 Open coding is the first step in grounded theory analysis, where raw data is broken down into excerpts and grouped into codes.
• 😀 As more data is collected, the codes are refined, and new data may challenge or expand the existing codes.
• 😀 Axial coding groups related codes into categories, identifying the connections or axes that link the different data points.
• 😀 Selective coding is the final stage where categories are unified under one core category, which becomes the basis for the final theory.
• 😀 Grounded theory is useful when existing theories do not explain a phenomenon well or when they are incomplete due to insufficient or biased data.
• 😀 The continuous cycle of data collection and analysis in grounded theory helps refine the theory until it is fully grounded in real-world data.
• 😀 Grounded theory is particularly suited for studies where no existing theoretical framework can adequately explain the phenomena under investigation.

Q & A

What is grounded theory in qualitative research?

Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology where theories are derived from real-world data through an iterative process of data collection and analysis. Unlike traditional research, grounded theory does not begin with a hypothesis, but instead develops theories from the data itself.

How is grounded theory different from other research approaches?

Grounded theory differs from traditional research approaches because, instead of starting with a hypothesis to prove or disprove, it begins with data collection. Theories are developed from the data as it is collected and analyzed, rather than being pre-determined.

What does the iterative process in grounded theory involve?

The iterative process in grounded theory involves continuously collecting and analyzing data in cycles. Each round of data collection and analysis informs the next, allowing for the refinement and development of theory over time.

When should grounded theory be used in research?

Grounded theory should be used when there is no existing theory that adequately explains a phenomenon, or when an existing theory is incomplete or based on data that does not fully represent the target population.

What are the two fundamental concepts in grounded theory?

The two fundamental concepts in grounded theory are: 1) The continuous cycle of data collection and analysis, and 2) The development of theory directly from raw data, with data collection and analysis occurring iteratively.

What is theoretical sampling in grounded theory?

Theoretical sampling is the process of initially recruiting a small group of participants for data collection, then recruiting additional participants in subsequent rounds as the analysis of data evolves. The purpose is to gather diverse data that informs and refines the developing theory.

What is open coding in grounded theory analysis?

Open coding is the first step in data analysis, where the researcher breaks up the collected data (such as transcripts) into individual excerpts and groups them into codes. These codes represent the initial concepts or patterns emerging from the data.

What happens after the open coding stage in grounded theory?

After open coding, the researcher goes back into the field to collect more data, which is then compared to the initial codes. New data may confirm, contradict, or add detail to existing codes, leading to further refinement and categorization of the codes.

What is axial coding in grounded theory?

Axial coding is the process where the researcher groups related codes together into categories. It helps to identify connections or axes between different codes, providing a more organized structure for the developing theory.

What is the final step in grounded theory analysis?

The final step is selective coding, where the researcher identifies a core category that ties together all the categories developed during the axial coding phase. This core category forms the basis of the final grounded theory.