Fieldwork And Ethnography Questions Long
Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that aims to develop theories or explanations based on empirical data collected through fieldwork and ethnography. It was developed by sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in the 1960s as a response to the limitations of traditional deductive research approaches.
The concept of grounded theory emphasizes the importance of systematically collecting and analyzing data to generate theories that are grounded in the observations and experiences of the participants. It seeks to understand social phenomena from the perspective of the individuals involved, rather than imposing preconceived theories or hypotheses.
In grounded theory, the research process involves three main stages: data collection, data analysis, and theory development. During data collection, researchers engage in intensive fieldwork and ethnographic methods such as participant observation, interviews, and document analysis. This allows them to gather rich and detailed data about the social context and the experiences of the participants.
Once the data is collected, the researchers engage in a process of constant comparative analysis. This involves systematically coding and categorizing the data, identifying patterns, and making comparisons across different cases or instances. Through this iterative process, researchers aim to identify key concepts, relationships, and themes that emerge from the data.
As the analysis progresses, researchers start to develop theoretical concepts and hypotheses that explain the observed patterns and relationships. These concepts are grounded in the data and are continuously refined and revised based on further analysis and comparison. The goal is to develop a theory that is closely aligned with the empirical reality and provides a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study.
One of the key principles of grounded theory is theoretical sampling. This means that data collection and analysis occur simultaneously, with new data being collected based on emerging theoretical insights. Theoretical sampling allows researchers to explore and test their developing theories, ensuring that the theory is grounded in the data and not influenced by preconceived notions.
Overall, grounded theory is a flexible and iterative approach to qualitative research that emphasizes the importance of empirical data and the active involvement of the researcher in theory development. It provides a systematic and rigorous way to generate theories that are grounded in the lived experiences and perspectives of the participants, making it a valuable tool in understanding complex social phenomena.