Designing a grounded theory study: some practicalities

Grounded theory is an interpretative research methodology frequently used by social science researchers seeking to discover the underlying social processes shaping interaction. The methodology is useful to create knowledge about the behavioural patterns of a group. The aim of this paper was to discuss some practical issues that the prospective grounded theory researcher planning a small-scale project may consider. Discussion focuses on the basic premises, choosing a version of grounded theory, the research problem, the purpose of study, the research question and the place of the literature in a study. The specific skills required of the grounded theory researcher are considered and some cautions are exercised. The paper may assist student researchers in a critical care setting and may be of interest to their supervisors and experienced. grounded theory researchers.     

How to recognise a 'quality' grounded theory research study.

BACKGROUND: The quality of a research study is a key issue for clinical practitioners committed to the delivery of 'best-practice' patient care. With the increasing use of grounded theory in nursing research, attention is now focusing on the quality of studies using this research methodology. Indeed, within the growing body of grounded theory in nursing some methodological problems are emerging that raise questions about the quality of the research. AIM: This paper recognises that clinical practitioners need to be critical readers of grounded theory research, so that they recognise 'quality' research studies and can develop their clinical practice based on sound research findings. CONCLUSION: Grounded theory should be viewed as a package of research methods that includes the use of concurrent data collection and constant comparative analysis, theoretical sampling and memoing, all of which can create an awareness and an appreciation of the scientific merit required of grounded theory research and promote quality standards relating to research practices in grounded theory methodology.     

Grounded theory in nursing research: Part 2--Critique

In the first article in this series (McCann and Clark 2003), the methodological characteristics of grounded theory were examined. In this, the second article on grounded theory, Terence McCann and Eileen Clark critique the methodology. They then summarise the main differences between Glaser's approach and Strauss and Corbin's approach to grounded theory.     

Grounded theory: a qualitative research methodology for physical therapy

The interest in grounded theory methodology for physical therapy research has grown in recent years. Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology, initially developed by sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm L. Strauss. Significant variations in the approach were later introduced by Strauss and Corbin. The intent of grounded theory methodology is to generate a theory relating to a particular situation. Other distinguishing features of this method include the use of open-ended questioning, the synthesis of data collection with analysis, the use of theoretical sampling, and the systematic procedures for data collection, analysis, and theory development. The purposes of this article are to introduce the tenets of the grounded theory methodology, to present examples of how the methodology can be applied to physical therapy research, and to suggest criteria for evaluating grounded theory studies.     

Introduction to grounded theory

Grounded theory, first developed by Glaser and Strauss in the 1960s, was introduced into nursing education as a distinct research methodology in the 1970s. The theory is grounded in a critique of the dominant contemporary approach to social inquiry, which imposed "enduring" theoretical propositions onto study data. Rather than starting from a set theoretical framework, grounded theory relies on researchers distinguishing meaningful constructs from generated data and then identifying an appropriate theory. Grounded theory is thus particularly useful in investigating complex issues and behaviours not previously addressed and concepts and relationships in particular populations or places that are still undeveloped or weakly connected. Grounded theory data analysis processes include open, axial and selective coding levels. The purpose of this article was to explore the grounded theory research process and provide an initial understanding of this methodology.     

Discriminating among grounded theory approaches

To rationalize the selection of a research methodology, one must understand its philosophical origins and unique characteristics. This process can be challenging in the landscape of evolving qualitative methodologies. Grounded theory is a research methodology with a distinct history that has resulted in numerous approaches. Although the approaches have key similarities, they also have differing philosophical assumptions that influence the ways in which their methods are understood and implemented. The purpose of this discussion paper is to compare and contrast three widely used grounded theory approaches with key distinguishing characteristics, enabling a more thoughtful selection of approach. This work contributes to the existing literature through contrasting classic Glaserian grounded theory, Straussian grounded theory, and constructivist grounded theory in a systematic manner with prominent distinguishing characteristics developed from a review of the literature. These characteristics included historical development, philosophical perspective, role of the researcher, data analysis procedures, perspective of the grounded theory, and strengths/critique. Based on this analysis, three considerations are proposed to direct the methodological choice for a study: purpose, philosophy, and pragmatics. Understanding the similarities and differences in the grounded theory approaches can facilitate methodological transparency and determine the best fit for one's study and worldview as a researcher.     

The application of grounded theory and symbolic interactionism

This paper describes the methodological and theoretical context and underpinnings of a study that examined community psychiatric nurses' work with family caregivers of older people with depression. The study used grounded theory research methods, with its theoretical foundations drawn from symbolic interactionism. The aims of the study were to describe and conceptualize the processes involved when community nurses work and interact with family caregivers and to develop an explanatory theory of these processes. This paper begins with an explanation of the rationale for using grounded theory as the method of choice, followed by a discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of the study, including a brief summary of the nature and origins of symbolic interactionism. Key premises of symbolic interactionism regarded as central to the study are outlined and an analytical overview of the grounded theory method is provided. The paper concludes with a commentary on some of the issues and debates in the use of grounded theory in nursing research. The main purpose of this paper is to provide a methodical and critical review of symbolic interactionism and grounded theory that can help readers, particularly those who are intending to use grounded theory, better understand the processes involved in applying this method to their research.     

Reformulation of a methodological concept in grounded theory

Although the grounded theory method was not designed with nursing science in mind, it is one of the most prevalent and theory-producing qualitative methods in nursing. Changes in the grounded theory methodology have been debated in numerous articles. What has not received much attention, however, is a central idea of the grounded theory method - the basic social process. The goal here is to raise for consideration the idea that change is needed in nurse researchers' understanding of the basic social process; there is a need to reformulate this substantive concept of the grounded theory method so as to render it more congruent with nursing ontology and productive of nursing knowledge.     

Methodological considerations for grounded theory research in critical care settings

BACKGROUND: The context of critical care and human phenomena involved in critical illness offer rich opportunity for nursing research. Naturalistic investigation with grounded theory methods can uncover previously unexamined elements and interactions in the critical care setting. This article presents methodological considerations for conducting grounded theory research in fast-paced physiologically and technologically complex critical care settings. APPROACH: Critique and recommendations are based in review and analysis of grounded theory research in adult critical care settings and on the literature describing grounded theory methods. The authors' experiences in medical and surgical intensive care units provide added practical context for this article. RESULTS: Barriers to achieving grounded theory in critical care settings, such as communication impairments, participant attrition, and observational difficulties, are explored. Methodological strategies and data sources particular to critical care settings are also discussed. Critical care settings offer a variety of data sources that should be rigorously pursued in grounded theory research. DISCUSSION: Given current trends in healthcare treatments and demographics, future research must examine physiological and technological data as integral components of basic social psychological or social structural processes in critical care interactions and should include technology as a component of nurse-patient interaction.     

Practicalities in doctorate research of using grounded theory methodology in understanding nurses’ behaviours when caring for culturally diverse patients

This article provides a critical review of how grounded theory methodology was used to explore student and registered nurses' experiences of caring for culturally diverse patients, as part of a doctorate of philosophy. It illustrates how a continuous cycle of data collection, constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling was operationalised and explains how these methods were consistent with classic grounded theory methodology. It describes how a theory of resigned Indifference was generated, which explains how nurses used a raft of disengagement strategies as a means of dealing with their uncertainties, during cross cultural encounters. Disengagement was allowed and sometimes even facilitated within clinical practice and as a result nurses became indifferent to people they knew little about and appeared resigned that this was acceptable. This study highlights the need for greater consideration into how cultural competence development is taught, learnt and more importantly, applied in clinical practice. The detailed explanation of the methodology and methods used is intended to provide a practical guide for researchers considering using the methodology. It describes how new insights into nurses’ behaviours towards culturally diverse patients were generated, which has relevance and utility for practising nurses and nurse educators.     

Feminist-informed participatory action research: a methodology of choice for examining critical nursing issues

Identifying a methodology to guide a study that aims to enhance service delivery can be challenging. Participatory action research offers a solution to this challenge as it both informs and is informed by critical social theory. In addition, using a feminist lens helps acquiesce this approach as a suitable methodology for changing practice. This methodology embraces empowerment self-determination and the facilitation of agreed change as central tenets that guide the research process. Encouraged by the work of Foucault, Friere, Habermas, and Maguire, this paper explicates the philosophical assumptions underpinning critical social theory and outlines how feminist influences are complimentary in exploring the processes and applications of nursing research that seeks to embrace change.     

'Becoming a mother'— developing a new theory of early motherhood

This paper explains the methods used in a grounded theory analysis of the experience of 55 first-time mothers in Australia, presented in the first of this series of two papers. The categories identified in the research are realising, readiness, drained, aloneness, loss and working it out, encompassed in the core category becoming a mother. Specifically, this paper extends the analysis and explains the application of a'paradigm model' and the identification of a Basic Social Process (BSP). The paper links the analysis to the literature on early motherhood from nusing, midwifery, feminist, and sociological research. A substantive theory is proposed to explain women's experience in becoming mothers that demonstrates how, when responsive to the needs of those researched, a grounded theory analysis can provide a framework for nursing and midwifery care.     

Applying thematic analysis theory to practice: a researcher's experience

This article describes an experience of thematic analysis. In order to answer the question 'What does analysis look like in practice?' it describes in brief how the methodology of grounded theory, the epistemology of social constructionism, and the theoretical stance of symbolic interactionism inform analysis. Additionally, analysis is examined by evidencing the systematic processes--here termed organising, coding, writing, theorising, and reading--that led the researcher to develop a final thematic schema.     

Generating theory from the client's experience of same day laparoscopic sterilisation

A grounded theory methodology was used to generate theory about the experiences of women undergoing laparoscopic sterilisation in a day surgery unit. Theories were developed on the role of client education in relieving anxiety, and the importance of privacy in all stages of client care. The grounded theory approach offered a client-centered model for day surgery planning.     

Adopting a constructivist approach to grounded theory: implications for research design

Grounded theory is a popular research methodology that is evolving to account for a range of ontological and epistemological underpinnings. Constructivist grounded theory has its foundations in relativism and an appreciation of the multiple truths and realities of subjectivism. Undertaking a constructivist enquiry requires the adoption of a position of mutuality between researcher and participant in the research process, which necessitates a rethinking of the grounded theorist's traditional role of objective observer. Key issues for constructivist grounded theorists to consider in designing their research studies are discussed in relation to developing a partnership with participants that enables a mutual construction of meaning during interviews and a meaningful reconstruction of their stories into a grounded theory model.     

Grounded theory in nursing research: Part 3--Application

In the first article in this series, the methodological characteristics of grounded theory were examined (McCann and Clark 2003a). In the second article, a critique was presented of the methodology, with particular reference to the approaches of Glaser, and Strauss and Corbin (McCann and Clark 2003b). In this, the final article in the series, Terence McCann and Eileen Clark illustrate how to apply the methodology to nursing research using the example of McCann's Australian study (McCann and Baker 2001) of how community mental health nurses promote wellness with clients who are experiencing an early episode of psychotic illness.