Grounded Theory An Overview

Grounded Theory In this type of study, the researcher generates an abstract analytical schema of a phenomenon, a theory that explains some action, interaction, or process. This is accomplished primarily through collecting interview data, making multiple visits to the field (theoretical sampling), attempting to develop and interrelate categories (constant comparison) of information, and writing a substantive or context-specific theory (Strauss and Cobin, 1990).

Grounded Theory Focus - developing a theory grounded in the data from the field Discipline of origin - Sociology Data collection - interviews with up to 20-30 individuals to “saturate” categories and detail a theory Data analysis - open coding, reflective coding, selective interpretation, conditional matrix Narrative form - Theory or theoretical model

Grounded theory provides a perspective that allows the researcher to view the phenomenon as if through the examination lens of an ophthalmologist. The examiner starts with a standard magnification and refocuses through a sequence of lenses until complete clarity is achieved. This refocusing is accomplished in grounded theory through theoretical sampling, which guides the selection of participants and leads to the discovery of a theory grounded in research data. The number of participants can not be determined in advance. “[T]here are no limits set on the number of the participants, interviewees or data sources” (Cutcliffe, 2000, p. 1477).

Emergent sampling design. The sample is drawn as the study progresses Emergent sampling design. The sample is drawn as the study progresses. No a priori assumptions are applied. This is the foundational concept upon which the remaining characteristics are based. Serial selection. Maximum variation is achieved by selecting one sampling unit at a time, moving on to the next only upon the completion of data collection and analysis of the current unit. Each successive unit is chosen based on its potential to extend, contrast, or complete information thus far gathered. In other approaches multiple participants may be selected at once, even entirely up front. In grounded theory, only one unit is selected at a time, guiding the selection of the next. This process is driven by the next characteristic.

Continuous adjustment or focusing Continuous adjustment or focusing. The initial sampling unit meets the broadest interpretation of the required contextual qualities. As working hypotheses begin to develop, the sample is refined to allow the investigator to focus on the most relevant units. Selection to the point of redundancy. The sample size is determined by informational considerations. Sampling continues until no new information is forthcoming, until saturation is achieved. This final characteristic leads to saturation to assure that all relevant data are collected and a trustworthy theory is developed.

Grounded Theory Coding Have all categories been saturated? Interview/ Observation Select-ive Coding Open Coding No Theoretical Coding Substant-ive Coding Yes Theory

Grounded Theory Coding Glaser (1978) describes two types of grounded theory codes, substantive and theoretical: There are basically two types of codes to generate: substantive and theoretical. Substantive codes conceptualize the empirical substance of the area of research. Theoretical codes conceptualize how the substantive codes may relate to each other as hypotheses to be integrated into the theory (p. 54). The procedures of open and selective coding are employed to develop substantive codes while theoretical coding is used for theoretical codes. These procedure occur concomitantly with data collection. This is the dynamic aspect of grounded theory.

Constructivist Grounded Theory Gain theoretical sensitivity in both the ecology & in the literature Informants: purposeful theoretical sampling, selected for criteria. Analysis is iterative, & alternately inductive & deductive, weaving from one coding phase to the next. Open coding is very detailed, separating each strand of data from the rest Reflective coding begins weaving the strands together Step back - what’s happening here? Selective coding is the Interpretation Phase Tools I devised led me to the story line Story line led to the emergence of the theoretical position McCaslin, M.L. & Scott, K.W. (2003). “Method for Studying a Human Ecology: An Adaptation of the Grounded Theory Tradition.” The Researcher. (17) 1, pp 26-32.

Literature Constructivist Grounded Theory: (McCaslin/Scott) Technical Non-Tech Constructivist Grounded Theory: (McCaslin/Scott) Ecology Observations Interviews Open Coding Analysis Concepts - Categories - Properties & Dimensions Reflective Coding Analysis Reassemble New Way - Link Categories & Dimensions Conditional Relationship Guide & Reflective Coding Matrix Selective Coding/Interpretation Validate Relationships - Discover Patterns Develop Story Line & Theoretical Position Grounding the Theory Crystallize: Data, Literature, Informants in Ecology What’s happening?

Constructivist Grounded Theory with the additional of Meta-Interpretation McCaslin & Carlson

Constructivist Grounded Theory with the additional of Meta-Interpretation (Cont.) Note: Stage 4 and on is Glaser and Strauss’s original Model (1967) McCaslin & Carlson

Example of Open Coding Analysis 1908 Categories Age Limitations in Biking Unknown Age Perspective Age Illusion Age Limitations in Writing Unknown Age Affects View of Ability Age Benefit Age Limitations in Pursuit Unknown Age & Impetus to Decide Age Affects Ability to Learn Age Increases Challenge Age Limiting in Solo Voyage Age Motivator Age Impediment Age Affecting Ability Age Perception Age & Adversity Age Limits Choices Age Limiting Factor Age Factor 54 Categories

Reflective Coding Matrix Logic Flow McCaslin & Carlson

Reflective Coding Analysis 54 Categories Conditional Relationship Guide: What? When? Where? Why? How? Consequence? Reflective Coding Matrix

Reflective Coding Matrix example.

Example of a Conditional Matrix (Graphic format) Positive Force Personal Criteria Congruous Autonomy Inner Voice Belief, Identity, Self-Efficacy Follow Inspiration, Conviction Choice, Obstacles Part of Process Epiphany: Risk/Sacrifice Urgency Achievement in Steps Development, Meaning Criteria, Rightness

Conditional Matrix Textual (example)

Example 2 (from same study as above) Graphical Conditional Matrix

A Grounded Theory The theory emerges from the data when the researcher has developed trust in the theory, when she sees that it fits, works, and is modifiable (Glaser, 1992). The researcher develops the reported theory. But, in the final analysis, it is the reader who decides if the presented theory explains all of the variation in behavior, if the study is trustworthy (Lincoln & Guba, 1985).