Grounded Theory Method - Coursework Example

Grounded Theory Method GROUNDED THEORY METHOD Introduction The grounded theory method refers to a systematic social science methodology that involves analyzing data in order to discover theory. This is a method of research operates in a fashion, which is almost in reverse to traditional research in social science. Instead of drafting a hypothesis as the first step, grounded theory method begins with collection of the data using an array of methods (Oktay, 2012). Using the collected data, the major points, are series coded and extracted from the research text, after which the codes are re-arranged into concepts that are similar to improve their workability. Using the concepts, the researcher then creates categories, which he/she utilizes as a basis for creating theory. This theory can also be referred to as a hypothesis that is reverse engineered (Oktay, 2012), which is in contrast to traditional research methodology that first identifies a framework of theory prior to applying it to the phenomenon under study. This paper will seek to give an overview of the theory, its advantages, and disadvantages, and a critique of the theory. Overview of Grounded Theory Method Grounded theory research should be made up of three fundamental elements. The first element is theoretical sensitive coding that seeks to generate concepts that are theoretically strong from the available data in order to explain the phenomenon under investigation. Another important element is theoretical sampling, which involves deciding the participants to interview, as well as what to observe next with regards to the state of generation theory (Oktay, 2012). This indicates that it is important to begin analysis of data using the initial interview, while also writing the hypotheses and memos early. Finally, in order to ensure that the resulting theory is strong, there is a need to make a comparison between contexts and phenomenon. One important feature of the theory is that it is representative of systematic methodology, which is applicable to problems in research. Its systematic nature is important in the generalization, judgment, and comparison of results from the research process, which is not always practical when utilizing alternative methods of ethnographic research where there are no clear systems (Oktay, 2012). There are various stages in grounded theory method the first of which is the research question. The grounded theory process begins with the researcher selecting a question that is suitably complex, which, in the context of the method, is related to the projects aims (Oktay, 2012). Because it is developed through induction from the representative phenomenon and emergent theories from data collected after investigating the phenomenon, the question is also restated in the methodology section in a form that is testable using grounded theory. The next step of grounded research is acquisition of data, which proceeds using the same techniques and in the same way as other methodologies of research. The data could be quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both. Analysis of the collected data is called coding with data being coded varyingly with regards to its purpose and the project’s stage (Oktay, 2012). Grounded theory has three stages of data analysis, which are selective, axial, and open coding. Open coding involves the selection of categories, and naming them following analysis. This is the first stage in acquiring data, which relates to the description of the phenomenon’s overall features (Locke, 2011). The phenomenon’s variables are then identified and labeled, after which they are categorized to relate them using an outline. During this stage, the properties that will make up a category are described by locating or placing them in a continuum that lies in a range of probable values. After open coding, the research process moves on to axial coding, in which data are re-arranged using coding paradigm that identifies causal relationships by comparing the categories. The coding paradigm’s main objective is to identify explicit connections that exist between different categories, as well as sub-categories, in a process named paradigm model. This model involves explaining relationships between different categories to comprehend the phenomenon of which they are part. Next, selective coding seeks to identify the core category with further systematic relation to the remaining minor categories. This involves validation of relationships between the core category and the subsidiary categories, refining them, and further developing the relationships (Locke, 2011). The researcher finally integrates the relationships and arrives at a grounded theory. This latter process involves various stages, including story line explication, using the paradigm model to relate the core category to subsidiary categories, and relating them dimensionally (Locke, 2011). For example, a category called motivation could range from highly motivated and not motivated. Finally, the relationships are validated against data and the storyline is further refined. The central phenomenon that all other categories are based is the core category as mentioned and on its identification, the researcher generates a hypothetical relationship involving all categories, using collected data to test his/her hypotheses. It is possible after this stage for the investigator to refine the categories further, while also re-classifying them, which may necessitate further refinement of the story line (Locke, 2011). Advantages and Disadvantages of Grounded Theory Grounded theory is advantageous when conducting business research for several reasons. On top of offering a rigorous and systematic procedure, it also yields rich data from experience of customers, employees and others (Birks & Mills, 2010). This research method also possesses an intuitive appeal for a novice investigator because it allows them to be involved with detailed data, while it will also help them to begin analyzing the data as they collect it. In addition, it encourages the researcher to be detailed and systematic in analyzing the data by providing a means to do so, as well as enhancing the quality of evidence for them to back up collected data. The grounded theory also encourages the researcher to interplay constantly collection of data and its analysis to allow for the most comprehensive data (Birks & Mills, 2010). Finally, the method is useful where the business researcher has to describe repeated processes, such as the process of communication between employees and customers. However, as with all research methods, grounded theory has some disadvantages, as well. First, the data collected using this method is very subjective, which causes difficulties when the researcher has to establish the validity and reliability of the information and approaches used (Birks & Mills, 2010). In grounded theory, it is also more difficult to prevent or even detect researcher bias, while the highly qualitative nature prevalent in the research’s results makes presentation of results in a usable manner difficult. In addition, the coding levels may be too difficult for a first time business researcher, may take a long time, and makes it difficult for the researcher to scale up to more advanced themes or concepts. Because the grounded theory is a very detailed methodology, the researcher may be unable to see effectively the big picture (Birks & Mills, 2010). Finally, there is a tendency for grounded theory to produce only theories of the lower order. Grounded Theory Critique This theory is a general methodology used to develop theory grounded in systematically collected and analyzed data. According to Strauss and Corbin (2012), theory undergoes evolution, as the researcher is involved in interplay between the collection of data and its analysis. They contend that this approach has a general comparative analysis method as its central concept. It is possible to identify grounded theory through the systematic use of data to discover theory from social research. Grounded theory as a strategy of naturalistic inquiry is directed by the investigator and structured, while its objective is fundamentally to develop theory and verify it. The researcher will derive grounded theory through an inductive study of its representative phenomenon and Strauss & Corbin (2012) believed that researchers discovers grounded theory, develops it, and makes provisional verification using systematic methods to collect data and analyze it in relation to the phenomenon. Schwartz & Jacobs (2009) provide a different definition pertaining to grounded theory as compared to Strauss and Corbin. According to them, collection and analysis of data and theory are reciprocal and interdependent. Rather than starting off with a provisional theory and verifying or confirming it, the researcher will start with a phenomenon with relevant aspects of the phenomenon emerging as the researcher proceeds. They adopt a notion of knowing the stranger to describe grounded theory method. Neuman (2007) indicates that grounded theory is developed by researchers from the bottom with gathering of data and its analysis. This inductive theoretical style starts off with minimal assumptions and concepts that are broadly oriented, after which collection and analysis of data seeks to discover principles and relationships and verify them. This theory is slowly emergent with each proposition and concept in a particular sector maturing with time and research. Soon, there is illumination of relationships, which allows them to be weaved together into a theory that is more abstract (Neuman, 2007). Grounded theory, according to Chenitz and & Swanson (2006), involves systematic procedures with theorists designing its methodology to ensure that, if they are careful in executing it, the method will meet “good” science criteria. The latter concept refers to ability for verification, rigor, precision, reproducibility, ability to generalize, compatibility of observed theory, and significance. Yet, creativity, also accounts for a critical grounded theory component (Chenitz & Swanson, 2006). The authors also describe grounded theory as an approach of research that insists on systematic data collection and analysis, especially of qualitative data, in order to generate a theory for exploration, which will increase the researcher’s understanding of business phenomena. They also mention that grounded theory’s main objective is to develop theory that explains basic patterns that are common in the business environment. In addition, they also contend that ground theory is representative of technological advances, which have enhanced the collection and handling of qualitative data in the everyday business world. This method studies essential patterns that are related to psychological and social processes. These processes account for interactive variations concerning a problem or phenomenon. The same authors also contend that Glaser and Strauss created grounded theory from social science, particularly with regards to symbolic traditions of interactions between sociology and psychology (Chenitz & Swanson, 2006). References Chenitz, C. & Swanson, S. (2009). From Practice to Grounded Theory: Qualitative Research in Business. New York: Addison-Wesley Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2010). Grounded theory: A practical guide. London: SAGE. Locke, K. (2011). Grounded theory in management research. London: Sage Publications. Neuman, W. (2007). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. Boston: Allen & Bacon Oktay, J. S. (2012). Grounded theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Schwartz, H. & Jacobs, J. (2009). Qualitative Sociology: A Method to the Madness. New York: Free Press Strauss, A. & Corbin, J. (2012). Grounded Theory Methodology: An Overview. In N. K. Denzin & Y. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (pp. 73-91). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Read More