Qualitative Research Approaches

COMPONENTS OF RESEARCH APPROACHES

GROUNDED THEORY

• Grounded theory was introduced by (Glaser & Strauss in 1967 ) which involves the collection and analysis of data. The theory is “grounded” in actual data, which means the analysis and development of theories happens after collecting the data.
• The primary objective of grounded theory, is to expand upon an explanation of a phenomenon by identifying the key elements of that phenomenon, and then categorizing the relationships of those elements to the context and process of the experiment.

DEFINITION

• Grounded theory refers to a set of systematic inductive methods for conducting qualitative research aimed toward theory development by a method that uses flexible methodological strategies for collecting and analyzing data.

GOALS OF GROUNDED THEORY:

• Conceptualization of Ideas & rationalization to justify the gap between a theory and empirical data
• Logical Explanation of the theory
• Careful Legitimization of the Grounded Theory (Qualitative Research)

CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUNDED THEORY

• Simultaneous involvement in data collection and analysis.
• construction of analytic codes and categories from data.
• use of the constant comparative method/analysis that involves making comparisons during all steps of the analysis.
• developing theory during each step of data collection and analysis, memo-writing to elaborate categories, etc.
• theoretical sampling aiming toward theory construction (not representativeness).
• conducting a literature review after performing the analysis and developing theory.

METHODS IN GROUNDED THEORY

• Conceptualizing Theoretically Sensitive Issues
  • Theoretical sensitivity is the “ability to generate concepts from data and to relate them according to normal models of theory in general”.
  • It is the sum up of the number of single abilities that characterize the theoretical sensitivity of a researcher.
  • Sensitivity is having insights as well as being able to pick up on relevant issues, events, and happenings during collection and analysis of the data”.
  • The ability to develop theoretical insight into the area of research combined with the ability to make something of these insights, the ability to conceptualize and organize, make abstract connections, visualize and think multidisciplinary” approach will aid in development of a theory.
• Interdependence of Data
  • One characteristic of grounded theory is that data collection, data analysis, and theory development are not successive steps in the research procedure but are interrelated and interdependent i.e. data collection and reflexion in terms of data analysis and theory development always Interchange. Data collection and analysis initialize the process of theory development.
  • In the beginning of the process, cases are selected, because they are likely to enable the discovery of new relevant concepts. Later on, cases are selected because they are likely to contribute to the differentiation, elaboration, consolidation, and validation of categories in terms of their properties, their dimensions, or their interrelations.
  • Theoretical sampling and the development of theory are continued until theoretical saturation is achieved, i.e., new data do not seem to contribute any longer to the elaboration of categories. The relations between the categories are well developed and validated.
• Coding of Data
  Coding means naming the data with a label that simultaneously categorizes, summarizes & accounts each piece of data
  • Open Coding:
    •  In open coding, the data are broken up into smaller parts that are deeply analysed. The aim of this analysis is to grasp the core idea of each part.
    • These smaller analytical parts are compared with respect to similarities and differences. Similar parts can be labelled with the same code (Concept) and codes with different order (Categories).
  • Axial Coding: 
    • Axial coding is most often used when categories are in an advanced stage of development.
    • It is needed to investigate the relationships between concepts and categories that have been developed in the open coding process.
  • Selective Coding: 
    • selective coding is to integrate the different categories that have been developed, elaborated, and mutually related during axial coding into one cohesive theory.
    • To reach this goal, the results from axial coding are further elaborated, integrated, and validated. Thus, selective coding is quite similar to axial coding, but it is carried out on a more abstract level.
• Customizing & Categorizing the code System
  • During later ’rounds’ of coding, the researcher goes through the data they have already coded again using the selective coding technique. By this process code hierarchies are created by sorting codes into ‘main codes’ and ‘sub codes’. This process will help to create and refine what is called a ‘code Process’, which allows to easily identify codes with similar content and group them into concepts or categories.
• Bridging the categories & Theory with Analytical Memos
  • In grounded theory, the methodology is to interrupt the coding process again and again to write down memos: “Stop coding and record a memo of the ideas or concepts”
  • Memos are theoretical notes about the data and the conceptual connections between categories. The writing of theoretical memos is the core stage in the process of generating theory.
  • Memos are written only in order to keep track of the analytical “process, thoughts, feelings, and directions of the research and researcher.
  • Memos are needed to argue and prove the development of the grounded theory from the data when writing down the theory.
• Integrating the categories & Constructing Theories Inductively
  • The different categories are now related to each other and the core variable is written. The theory should encompass the important emergent concepts and their careful description.
  • The researcher may also construct tables and/or figures to optimize the readers.
  • The research is written several times to shape in to a theory that forms a relevant scholarly literature.
  • Finally, the theory is edited for style and language. Eventually, the researcher submits the resulting scholarly paper for publication.

Advantages of Grounded Theory

• It can identify the present nature of knowledge, as well as the contingent nature of practice.
• It produces a 'thick description that acknowledges areas of conflict and contradiction.
• It is used for better determining the actual situation.
• This theory also adapts readily to studies of diverse phenomena.
• These theories can respond and change as conditions that affect behavior change.

Disadvantages of Grounded Theory

• Grounded theory methods tend to produce large amounts of data, often difficult to manage.
• Researchers need to be skilful in using grounded theory methods.
• There are no standard rules to follow for the identification of categories.