Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory

Description

Preface Acknowledgments Part 1. Introduction to the Grounded Theory of Anselm Strauss Chapter 1. Inspiration and Background Overview Qualitative Research Description of Qualitative Research Explanation of Why Researchers Choose Qualitative Over Quantitative Methods Grounded Theory Methodology Brief History of Grounded Theory Methodology Unique Features of Grounded Theory Methodology Types of Data Analysis of Data Testimonials From Our Students Regarding Grounded Theory They Enjoy the Mental Challenge They Are Open and Flexible They Hope That Their Work Has Relevance Beyond Academia There Is Complete Absorption in the Work Grounded Theory Is an Important Methodology Grounded Theory Offers Explanations Why Choose Grounded Theory Methodology? Difference Between Description and Theory Description Theory Ethics Participants Research Researcher Chapter 2. Theoretical Foundations Pragmatism and Philosophy of Knowledge The Creation of Knowledge The Relationship Between Problematic Situations and Reflective Inquiry Temporal Aspects of Thinking and Process The Relationship Between Knowing and Culture Experience as Integral to Inquiry The Cumulative Nature of Knowledge The Usefulness of Knowledge as a Basis for Action Beyond the Practical Summary Worldview: A Combination of Dewey and Mead Ontology: Assumptions About the World Assumptions That Lie Behind the Way Strauss Interpreted Data Impact of Recent Trends on This Methodology Influences The Gap Between Writing About and Doing Analysis Nature of “Reality” Theories Are Constructions Concepts Are the Foundation for Knowledge Practical Application of Knowledge The Need for Self-Reflection Ethics in Relation to Pragmatism and Interactionism Chapter 3. Practical Considerations for Getting Started The Research Problem Advisor or Mentor Technical and Nontechnical Literature Personal and Professional Experience Pilot Projects The Research Question Defining Issues Framing the Research Question Writing the Proposal Other Related Points Data Collection A Research Journal Sources of Data Interviews Observations Issues When Doing Observations Important Considerations Before Beginning Data Collection Committees and Institutional Review Boards Interview and Observational Guides Informed Consent Confidentiality and Anonymity Researcher Responsibilities Perspectives, Biases, and Assumptions Researcher Biases and Assumptions Strategies for Controlling Intrusion of Perspectives, Biases, and Assumptions Differing Opinions The Literature The Technical Literature The Nontechnical Literature Theoretical Frameworks Justifying Choice of Methodology or Approach Building Upon a Research Program Offering Alternative Explanations Chapter 4. Prelude to Analysis Aims of Research Description Conceptual Ordering Theory The Nature of Qualitative Analysis Analysis Is an Art and a Science Analysis Involves Interpretation Analysts Are Interpreters and Conveyors of Meaning More Than One Theory Can Be Derived From Data Concepts Form the Basis of Analysis There Are Different Levels of Analysis Analysis Is a Process Analysis Begins With the Collection of the First Pieces of Data Early Analysis Is Generative Delineating Context Is an Important Aspect of Analysis Analysts Make Use of Analytic Tools to Carry Out Analysis Microanalysis The Value of Microanalysis Misconceptions About Microanalysis Microanalysis Complements More General Analysis Example of Microanalysis The Logic of Grounded Theory Analysis Concepts Form the Structure of Theory Concepts Vary in Levels of Abstraction Sensitivity The Nature of Sensitivity Influence of Professional Knowledge and Experience Professional Knowledge and Experience Can Enhance Sensitivity Sensitivity Grows Over the Course of the Research Sensitivity Is Important in Cross-Cultural Research Ethics Insider Insights: Grounded Theory Research Chapter 5. Strategies for Qualitative Data Analysis Getting Into the Data Analytic Strategies Analysts Should Develop Their Own Repertoire of Strategies The Use of Strategies Varies With the Stage of the Research Types of Strategies Questioning Making Comparisons Thinking About the Various Meanings of a Word Using the Flip-Flop Technique Making Use of Life Experience Waving the Red Flag Looking at Language Looking at Emotions That Are Expressed Looking for Words That Indicate Time Thinking in Terms of Metaphors and Similes Looking for the Negative Case Using Other Analytical Tools Ethical Considerations Insider Insights: Powerful Tools for Analyzing Data Chapter 6. Memos and Diagrams Introduction to Memos and Diagrams A Research Illustration Memos and Diagrams Forms and Functions The Importance of Getting the Memo and Diagram Habit Keeping Track of Analysis Helpful Hints General Features of Memos Memos Vary Each Analyst Has His or Her Own Style Memos Have Functions Beyond Storing Information Memos Can Be Sorted, Ordered, and Reordered Analysts Should Write Memos After Every Analytic Session Summary Memos Help With Integration General Features of Diagrams Definition of Diagrams and Their Usefulness Examples of Diagrams Sorting Memos Insider Insights: Memoing and Diagramming Insider Insights: Properties, Dimensions, and Diagrams Chapter 7. Theoretical Sampling Questions and Answers About Theoretical Sampling What Is Theoretical Sampling? Does Theoretical Sampling Provide Flexibility? What Advantage Does Theoretical Sampling Have Over Other Forms of Sampling? How Does One Proceed With Theoretical Sampling? How Does a Researcher Keep the Sampling Systematic and Consistent Without Rigidifying the Process? How Much Sampling Must Be Done? At What Point in the Research Does a Researcher Sample Theoretically? How Does a Researcher Know When Sufficient Sampling Has Occurred? What If I Have Already Collected All of My Data Before Sitting Down to Do My Analysis? Can I Still Do Theoretical Sampling? Where Does a Researcher Get a Sample? What Are Some Sampling Matters That a Researcher Must Consider Before Starting the Research? Can Interview and Observational Guides Be Used to Collect Data? Are There Variations on Theoretical Sampling? Can I Sample Data From a Library, and If So, How? How Do Researchers Maintain Consistency When a Team Is Gathering the Data? How Does Theoretical Sampling Differ From More Traditional Forms of Sampling? Is Theoretical Sampling Difficult to Learn? What About Research Design—What Is Its Relationship to Theoretical Sampling? Insider Insights: Practices to Exercise Conceptualization in GTM Chapter 8. Context Context Definition of Context The Paradigm Introduction to the Paradigm Conditions Actions–Interactions Consequences The Conditional/Consequential Matrix Differences Between the Matrix and the Paradigm Description of the Matrix Insider Insights: The “Aha Moment” Chapter 9. Process Introduction to Process Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Overview of Process Variable Nature of Process Conceptualizing Process Routine Action–Interaction Subprocesses How to Analyze Data for Process Analyzing Data for Process at a Formal Theory Level Insider Insights: A Memo on Process Chapter 10. Techniques for Achieving Theoretical Integration Some General Points About Integration Integration Is Important Definition of a Core Category Criteria for Choosing a Core Category Difficulty in Arriving at a Core Category Techniques to Aid Integration Writing the Descriptive Summary Memo Writing the Conceptual Summary Memo Making Use of Integrative Diagrams Reviewing and Sorting Through Memos Thinking in Terms of Metaphors and Similes Talking With a Professor or Colleague Steps Necessary to Finalize the Theory Reviewing the Scheme for Internal Consistency and Logic Filling in Poorly Developed Categories Trimming the Theory Validating the Theory Dealing With Outlying Cases Checking for Variation Insider Insights: Researching Creativity Creatively Chapter 11. The Use of Computer Programs in Qualitative Data Analysis Summary of Key Points Insider Insights: Grounded Theory and QDA Software: Some Words Part 2. Research Demonstration Project Chapter 12. Open Coding: Identifying Concepts Analysis: The First Interview List of Concepts or Codes Chapter 13. Developing Concepts in Terms of Their Properties and Dimensions About the Interviews Used in This Chapter Ethical Considerations Analysis of Interviews Chapter 14. Analyzing Data for Context Context of War Linking “Context of War” With “Survival” Chapter 15. Bringing Process Into the Analysis Action and Interactional Survival Strategies Chapter 16. Integrating Categories Reviewing Memos and Diagrams Read Memos, and Examine the Diagrams Sit and Think About the Main Ideas Expressed in Memos Sort Through and Compile Memos Dealing With Similar Topics Try Arranging Memos by Category Headings Into Different Theoretical Schemes Choose the Arrangement That Best Fits With the Data Compiling the Descriptive Summary Memo Verbalizing the Research Findings in a Few Sentences Writing a Summary Memo Making Use of the Integrative Diagram and Summary Diagramming Refining the Theory Checking for Gaps in Logic Filling In Limiting Factors to the Study Validating the Scheme Part 3. Finishing the Research Project Chapter 17. Writing Theses, Monographs, and Dissertations, and Giving Talks About Your Research Keeping These Thoughts in Mind The Issue of Confidence Letting Go Audiences Preparing Presentations Define Your Audience Choose One or Two Catchy Categories Prepare a Topic Statement and Outline Write Out the Presentation Prepare a PowerPoint Presentation Practice, Practice, Practice Make It Interesting and Fun Writing Dissertations Read Other Dissertations Ask Committee Members for Their Expectations and Suggestions Write the Methodology Chapter Gather and Review Memos Make an Outline Do a Rough Draft and Obtain Feedback Revise as Needed Writing Monographs Creating a Clear Theory Visualizing the Structure Deciding What to Write Producing a Detailed Outline Converting Dissertations to Monographs Working as a Team on Publications Writing Papers for Publication Audience Conditions for Writing Journal Selection Tailoring the Writing Pitfalls to Avoid Chapter 18. Criteria for Evaluation Review the Literature Validity and Reliability Credibility and Truthfulness Rigor The Scientific and Creative Credibility and Applicability Conclusions Define Quality in Qualitative Research Properties of Quality Conditions That Foster Quality Research Offer Criteria for Evaluating the Quality of Grounded Theory Studies Demonstrate the Use of These Criteria to a Grounded Theory Study Checkpoints Related to Methodological Consistency Checkpoints Related to Quality and Applicability Making Grounded Theory Applicable “In…” What Theory? Theory as Applied to Teaching and Consulting Theory as Applied to Policy Theory as Applied to Practice The Chronic Illness Trajectory Framework Chapter 19. Student Questions and Answers Questions and Responses Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D References Index About the Authors