Grounded Theory

Is a qualitative approach which calls for simultaneous data collection and analysis to generate a theory during the research process. A theory emerges inductively through the systematic data collection and analysis pertaining to a given phenomenon (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). This has two fundamental characteristics which include: theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis. A grounded theory is generated by themes which emerge from the data during analysis, capturing the essence of meaning drawn from varied contexts and situations

measurements are made over the course of counseling, and the interventions performed are well defined and verified” (Murdock, 2009 p.8). Case studies play a large role in counseling, they provide the outcome of whether a theory is successful or not. For example, if a counselor is trying to determine if a theory is useful for their client, they may try attempt to control the environment or they may observe the client in their natural non-controlled environment. Not every theory will have the same effect for every client, that is why case studies are important since multiple ideas may be beneficial in creating a beneficial resolution.

First, its applicability to both quantitative and qualitative research (Glaser & Strauss, 1999, p. 18) does not bound it, giving it a greater degree of applicability to a greater number of varied researchers. The data produced from this method is not taken at face value, it is continually analyzed until a theory emerges and it does not seek to exclude data (Walsh et al., pp. 586-587). Second, the premise is that the methods generate a theory based on the data gathered (Glaser & Strauss, 1999, p. 3) rather than forcing a conclusion linked to a predetermined view (Glaser & Strauss, 1999, p. 5). This theory generating system and its non-exclusion of data allows openness and has been cited as fostering creativity in research (Walsh et al., p. 595). Additionally, using Grounded Theory to produce substantive theories allows it to be practically applied rather than remaining in the realm of theorists. (Annells, 1996, p. 388). Lastly, this methodology can work well when studying smaller groups in society (Glaser & Strauss, 1999, p.

For example, a grounded theory study by Spinewine, Swine, Dhillon, Franklin, Tulkens, Wilmotte & Lorant (2005), was conducted to uncover appropriateness of use of medicines in elderly inpatients. The researchers found that nursing staff, pharmacists and geriatricians agreed that prescribing of medications and counselling of patients was insufficient and the data that was shared with the medical officer upon discharge was not adequate. Grounded theory focuses on a group, not individuals and is larger than ethnographic and phenomenological methods.

Theory, whether adapted or in pure form are used in defining the nature of the relationship between the client and in conceptualizing the nature of the problems present and describe the desired outcome or counseling goals. Counselors say that theories dictate the nature of interventions employed in counseling and that those interventions are connected to results and goals. Theories are efficient since they assist the counselor in finding relatedness and unity within the diversity of existence. They require counselors to examine relationships that are likely to be overlooked critically. Theories provide counselors with operational guidelines through which they work on and assist them in evaluating their development as professionals. Additionally, they assist them in focusing on information that is relevant and informs them of what they should focus on during counseling. Theories are useful since they support counselors helps assist clients on how to effectively modify their cognitions, behavior interpersonal relations, and emotional functioning. Through the theories, counselors evaluate both the new and old approaches to the counseling

Bowen, Glenn A. (2006)“Grounded Theory and Sensitizing Concepts”. International Journal of Qualitative Methods 5 (3): 12-23 (11p).

The reason grounded theory has been chosen is because it allows for the theory to be constructed, and derived from data collected during the research process and not prior to beginning the research. This process allows for the researcher and coder to see everything clear for the first-time because this methodology is ideal for explorative research of a new, or relatively new social experience (Kabat-Zinn,

Also, Strauss and Corbin (1998) described important characteristics of grounded theorists. The main purpose of grounded theory methodology design is theory creation. But, the existing theories can be also expanded and challenging (Sheperis, Young, & Daniels, 2010). Qualitative researchers is also based on the constructivist perspective and it uses theory inductively b starting with a general area of interest, gathering data, ask questions, forming categories from the data, and describing processes. Also, by developing a theory or even comparing what may be discovered with existing theories as well (Sheperis, Young, & Daniels, 2010). Qualitative research differs from quantitative research because it is characterized by the use of large samples, standardized measures, deductive approach and highly structured interview instruments to gather data for the hypotheses testing (McRoy, 1988). Qualitative research is more likely to be referred as a naturalistic research or inquiry for everyday

Sheperis, Young, and Davis (2017) explained how the counseling profession often view research studies as unneeded and having no place to the clinical setting. However, counselors have realized the importance of research and therefore use it more readily in the field today. With this research, counselors also have a path to see the proof of the success of their services to the client they work with on a daily basis. According to Sheperis, Young, and Davis (2017)

Social Workers use theory as a lens through which to understand interactions around them and in the lives of their clients. Theories are attempts to describe the interactions between individuals, families, organizations, policies, and social groups. In clinical social work, a theory is the basis with which one is able to assess problems and form treatment goals. In macro social work, a theory provides a framework with which one is able to understand and work to change policies of oppression and injustice. There is no shortage of theories available for the social worker

Grounded theory is a highly popular methodology for qualitative analysis (Gibbs 2010), since its original inception or “discovery” (Glaser and Strauss 1967) has developed into many alternative schools. For brevity and the purpose of this essay, the author will only consider the Glaserian form of Grounded Theory which was described originally by Glaser and Strauss (1967) and continues to be defended as the only true and classical form of Grounded theory by Glaser today (Glaser 2009).

A qualitative research method will be used to understand the perceptions of women and to form theoretical conceptualization based on how women in technology contribute to technological research. Specifically, the qualitative grounded theory is selected because this method can illustrate the casual and contextual elements of a phenomenon that are too complicated for other research methods (Yin, 2003). An emergent-grounded theory approach is utilized to handle the research question and sub-questions as well as to promote the finding of themes disclosed by participants (Strauss & Corbin, 1998). The purpose of this study was to discover the ways in which individual’s environment, gender role beliefs, cultural norms, perceptions and aptitude, and

The method used in the data analysis is predominantly a realist approach to the data that was assembled by the interviewee. This will involve the theorization of the motivations behind the behaviors displayed/explained by the respondent, looking at the experiences of the interviewee as well as getting the meaning from what the interviewer recorded down and not inferring to the likely environments that would result in the actions of the respondent or the answers that were derived from the interview. This approach treats the response from the respondents as a reflection of the reality and truth on the ground and not a representation of another situation that needs interpretation and decoding to understand (Frith & Hannah, 1997).

This is important in order to gain data that is qualitative, that should give an account of views and emotions. The grounded theory approach also involves theoretical sampling which investigates incidents, and populations, therefore this tells us that the method used was relevant to this study. A theory should then that stem from the data, this concept was correct in this case, as several themes emerged from the results. The data is analysed as it is collected using interviews, or observations (Punch 1998 cited in Bell 2008). The researcher’s methods related to the grounded theory approach, as indicated.

In qualitative research, constant comparisons between the perspectives of researchers and their participants are sometimes used to develop grounded theories about the experiences, influential conditions, and outcomes of behavior related to a specific phenomenon. Grounded theory is a “qualitative method of research used to systematically collect and analyze data, with which to construct a theoretical model” (Morrow & Smith, 1995, p. 24). The process primarily involves interviewing participants to identify open codes or categories. In collaboration with participants, researchers then utilize axial coding, which involves forming clusters of topics, and patterns of interaction between them, eventually resulting in several possible theories. Axial coding further helps researchers and participants to identify a central category, enabling them select which categories fall under causal conditions, intervening factors, consequences, and so on, and to them discriminate the grounded theory from existing theories. This process gives deeper meaning to the phenomenological experience (Flipp, 2014) by further refining it with each re-examination and return to exploration of the data. The following describes this process, by examining the study, “Constructions of Survival and Coping by Women Who Have Survived Childhood Sexual Abuse” (Morrow & Smith, 1995).