Transcript The Discovery of Grounded Theory

The Discovery of Grounded
Theory
: “ … the discovery of theory from data systematically obtained and analyzed in
social research” (1).
i.e., theory generation.
Inductive not Deductive
Intuitive not Deductive
Benefits
• Fits empirical situations - i.e., the data
• Understood by sociologists and laymen
• Provides:
– Relevant predictions
– Explanations
– Interpretations
– Applications
Role of theory in social sciences
1. To enable prediction and explanations of
behaviour.
Role of Theory
2. To be usable in theoretical advance in
social sciences.
Role of Theory
3.
To be usable in practical applications.
Role of Theory
Predictions and explanations should be able to
give practitioner understanding and control
of bevaviour.
Role of Theory
4. To provide a perspective on behaviour.
A stance to be taken toward data.
Role of Theory
5. To guide and provide a style for research
on particular areas of behaviour.
i.e., for providing modes for
conceptualizations when describing and
explaining.
Role of Theory
Note: in handling and providing these
modes, one categorizes the data.
These categories are easily recognizable to
pro and layman alike,
because they were derived from the data,
and are closely linked to the data.
Not easily refuted.
Grounded theory is closely
linked to the data (4).
Other Benefits
1. Avoids “opportunistic use of
theories that have dubious fit and
working capacity.
i.e., selecting an inappropriate
theory to fit the data.
Other Benefits
2. Avoids “exampling.”
i.e., looking for examples for dreamed-up,
speculative, or logically deduced theory
after the idea has occurred.
“Grounded theory is derived from
data and then illustrated by
characteristic examples of data” (5).
To Judge Usefulness of a Theory
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Determine how it was generated.
Check for logical consistency
Clarity
Parsimony (logically economical)
Scope
Integration
Fit and ability to work
“Generating theory involves a
process of research” (6)
The major method used to gather
and process this information
=
Comparative Analysis (3)
The collection of data and
subsequent development of
theory will depend on asking
questions first, …
… and then processing the
data derived from answering
those questions.
Glaser, B.G. & Strauss, A.L. (1967). The discovery of
grounded theory: strategies for qualitative research.
Hawthorne, N.Y.: Aldine Publishing.