Qualitative Methods Questions
Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that aims to develop theories or explanations based on the data collected from the research participants. It involves a systematic and iterative process of data collection, analysis, and theory development. In grounded theory, researchers start with an open mind and do not have preconceived theories or hypotheses. Instead, they allow the theories to emerge from the data itself, hence the term "grounded" theory.
The process begins with data collection through methods such as interviews, observations, or document analysis. The collected data is then analyzed using a constant comparative method, where researchers compare different data points to identify patterns, themes, and categories. Through this process, researchers generate codes and concepts that represent the data.
As the analysis progresses, researchers constantly compare new data with existing codes and concepts, refining and expanding them as necessary. This iterative process continues until theoretical saturation is reached, meaning that no new insights or concepts emerge from the data.
The final step in grounded theory is theory development. Researchers synthesize the codes, concepts, and categories to construct a theoretical framework that explains the phenomenon under study. This theory is grounded in the data and reflects the perspectives and experiences of the research participants.
Overall, grounded theory is a rigorous and systematic approach to qualitative research that allows for the development of new theories and explanations based on the data collected, rather than relying on pre-existing theories or assumptions.