1. A Method & A Methodology Dr. Evelyn Gordon DCU

2. Title – Method & Methodology Methodology – a full package, some key ideas for getting off the ground and sustaining a GT approach Method – systematic processes for conducting a GT

3. Origins of GT Founders of GT - Glaser, B. & Strauss, A. (1967) GT is a grounded theory (Glaser, B. & Strauss, A. Awareness of Dying, 1965)

4. Why Conduct A GT Study? – Theory Development To develop new rather than test or verify existing theory – developing understanding and response Develop a Substantive and / or Formal theory that is grounded in the data and not based on a priori assumptions When there is inadequate or no theory to explain a particular psychological / social phenomenon

5. What is GT? A General Method (to analyse Qualitative and Quantitative data) A Systematic Method (Systematic procedures for data gathering and analysis e.g. sampling, coding.) An Iterative Process (Concurrent and recursive data gathering, analysis and theory development)

6. How is a GT Developed? Identify the main concern - What are the main concerns / preoccupations of informants / participants? (What are people’s pre-occupations?) Identify the core category / variable - What are the processes in which they engage to resolve their concerns? (What are people doing?) Identify consequences of this action - What is the outcome of this activity? (Intended and un-intended) and the proposals for practice. Identify latent processes in psychological / social phenomena (What is going on?)

7. Core Variable & Sub-Core Variables Core Variable: Re-vitalizing Worthiness Sub-core Variable 1: Confronting a crisis of destiny Category: Living the Crisis Category: Reaching a Point of No Return Sub-core Variable 2: Earning a Life Category: Real-izing Worthiness Category: Enacting a Worthy Identity

8. GT Procedures and Processes Generating RQ / Defining Area of Interest (RQ evolves with the study, begin with unstructured interviewing by asking a question to illicit responses in relation to the phenomena of interest) Sampling – Selective (those who can inform the RQ) and Theoretical (those who can help to delimit and enrich the emerging theory) Coding – Open, Selective and Theoretical (Noting connections, distinctions, gaps in data, consultation) Constant Comparative Analytic Method (Categories, their properties, core category / variable and substantive theory) Theoretical Memos to assist theory development Field Notes to reflect on the study process and review as necessary

9. Rigor – What is a good Grounded Theory? Fit, relevance, workability, modifiability, grab – makes sense to those in the substantive area Utility – applicability scope – informs practice(s) Understandable – parsimony – simple but insightful

10. Underpinnings of GT – A Method or A Methodology? Symbolic Interaction (SI) (We are social beings. We interact through shared symbolism – meaning-making processes) Pragmatism (Utility / application of idea rather that its truth value is paramount) Concept Indicator Model (Index Formation Model, Interchanhgability of Indices, Core Variable Analysis) Locating GT underpinning philosophy (open-mindedness in relation to the outcome, theoretical frameworks for explanation)

11. Challenges in GT – ‘Stay Open’ Emergence Vs. Forcing Theory (avoid forcing, foreclosure and conjecture) Theoretical Sensitivity Vs A priori Assumptions (literature as sensitizing not directing) All is Data (multiple sources including self knowledge) Conceptualization Vs Description Conceptualized concepts rather than full coverage Inductive and deductive processes for theory development Research as Process (recursive, process and product) Theory as Process (emergent, contextual, modifiable, practical)

12. Schools of GT – Adapt or Adopt? Glaser & Strauss – Classic GT Strauss and Corbin – Remodelled GT Charmaz – Constructivist GT Cutcliffe – Modified GT

13. Key References Charmaz, K. (2000). Grounded Theory: Objectivist and Constructivist Methods in N.K. Denzin & Y.S. Lincoln (eds.) Handbook of Qualitative Research (2nd Edition). Thousand Oaks: SAGE. Strauss, A. & Corbin, J. (1998) Basics of Qualitative Research: techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory 2nd edition. California: SAGE. Glaser, B. & Strauss. A. (1967) The Discovery of Grounded Theory: strategies for qualitative research. US: Transaction Publishers. Glaser, B. (1998) Grounded Theory (Glaser). http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundedtheory_(Glaser). Downloaded 20/11/2007. Glaser, B. (2001) The Grounded Theory Perspective: Conceptualization Contrasted with Description. California: Sociology Press. Glaser, B. (2005) The Roots of Grounded Theory. Keynote presentation at IQRC, Malaysia.