Qualitative Data Analysis: An Introduction

1
Qualitative Data Analysis An Introduction

• Carol Grbich
• Chapter 6. Grounded Theory

2
Grounded Theory

• Use for exploring relationships or observing
  micro interaction
• Use where little previous knowledge exists
• Developed by Barney Glaser and Anselm Straus who
  wanted to develop theory from data in the real
  world
• Current versions include
• Barney Glasers version
• Anselm Strauss version
• Kathy Charmez constructivist Grounded theory
  version
• Postmodern and conjoint orientations

3
Grounded theory assumptions

• Assumptions underpinning GT- Symbolic
  Interactionism presumes reality is constructed
  and social processes can be created and changed
  by interactions among people,
• Meaning is constructed through symbols, signs
  and language, and our ability to take the
  position of others through the I (the
  uninhibited self) and the me (the societal
  controls reflected in the attitudes, values and
  behaviours of significant others).
• The focus in grounded theory is - the empirical,
  social world out there viewed as comprising
  many different layers, and public and private
  views.
•  

4
Differences between Strauss Glaser

• Glaser Strauss
• Style discovery verification
• Question problem variations
  dimensionalising critiquing
• Process emergent directions coding
  hypothesis testing
• Lit. review ongoing from 1st when
  categories emerge - if desired
• Category identification
•  
• Coding constant comparison 3 levels of
  data fracturing
• Open coding words, lines, sections
  words, lines paragraphs
• Axial coding unnecessary meticulous
  procedure
• Selective coding core variables only
  core categories to other categories
• Theory theory generation
  theory
  verification
•  

5
Strauss grounded theory

• Dimensionalising and sub -dimensionalising
  (research question)
• Open coding (data opening up through questioning)
• Memos (detailed summation of observation and data
  linking to concepts and literature)
• Axial coding (grouping of categorical data)
• Selective coding (linking of core categories with
  memos and literature
• Integration (putting it all together)

6
Glasers Grounded theory

• No data fracturing
• Constant comparison of incident to to incident
  and to emerging concepts
• Use of open coding, theoretical sampling and
  constant comparison techniques
• Group emergent categories, generate connections
  and link to literature

7
Theoretical sensitivity

• A process of becoming steeped in the literature
  using the variables emerging from the data and
  seeking conceptual and theoretical connections to
  provide interpretations in the generation of new
  theory (Glaser)
• Linking of data and theory more for verification
  rather than generation of new ideas but being
  careful not to let existing views bias your
  perceptions. (Strauss)

8
Development of formal theory

• Identify the core category to be developed
• Open code and write memos of an example of the
  data in which this category occurs
• Theoretically sample in a range of different
  areas
• Continue until a wide range of sources have been
  covered Strauss (1987241-2)
• Criteria for evaluating substantive / formal
  theory
• Fit the link between the theory and the arena
  where it will be used to provide insight needs to
  be clear
• Understandability will the theory be meaningful
  to those who dont work in the area from which
  the data has been collected?
• Generaliseability the theory needs to be
  meaningful in a large range of areas
• Control does the theory empower users within
  the field with knowledge to improve their
  situation? (adapted from Glaser and Strauss,
  1967237)

9
Criticisms of Grounded Theory

• A focus on a quasi-objective centred researcher
• Existing theories cannot be ignored by avoiding a
  literature review, the researcher invariably
  comes to the research topic bowed under the
  weight of intellectual baggage from his/her own
  discipline.
• There is a focus on a complex method and
  confusing and overlapping terminology rather than
  data.
• Poorly integrated theoretical explanations tend
  to be the outcome

10
Charmezs Constructivist Grounded Theory
differences

• Researcher and researched
• She challenges the previously objective distant
  nature of the relationship between researcher and
  participants
• She refocusses on researchers and their critical
  reflective role in the recognition and management
  of their biases
• Data accountability
• Immersion in and transposing raw data into memos
  is one suggested way of keeping close and
  accountable to data (maintaining participants
  voices)
• Using non-scientific writing styles closer to the
  literary options available in postmodern
  approaches forefronts voices of the researched