Advanced Research Methodology.docx

1
POST- MID ASSIGNMENT
SUBMITTED TO: Dr. Masha Asad Khan
SUBMITTED BY: Ayesha Ayyaz
MAJOR: MS. Clinical Psychology
COURSE: Advance Research Methods
SEMESTER: 01
SESSION: 2021-2023
DATE OF SUBMISSION: November 20, 202
Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore.

Grounded Theory
Answer 1
Grounded Theory
Grounded theory is a systematic process used by social scientists to undertake qualitative
research. Using data to build hypotheses and theories is the technique. Inductive reasoning is
used in grounded theory. Unlike conventional scientific study, which uses a hypothetic-deductive
approach. A grounded theory research usually starts with a query or with the collecting of
qualitative data. As researchers examine the acquired data, ideas or notions emerge. The data
"emerges" these ideas/concepts. The researchers provide codes to those ideas/concepts that
summaries them. In time, codes may be classified into higher-level ideas, and eventually into
categories. These categories may form a new theory and hypothesis. Thus, grounded theory
differs from the usual scientific research methodology, where the researcher selects an existing
theoretical framework, generates hypotheses based on that framework, and then gathers data to
test the hypotheses' validity.
Relevance
It is well knowledge that grounded theory is a popular approach for doing research. It is
possible to conduct a grounded theory research using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
It is the goal of grounded theory to uncover or build theory from evidence that is methodically
collected and analyzed through comparative analysis. Despite its inherent flexibility, grounded
theory is a complicated technique. Consequently, students and early career researchers are
focused on getting a grasp on the terminology and methods that underpin grounded theory.

Researchers do not pursue "truth." Rather, they seek to comprehend their subjects' lives.
To collect data, grounded theory researchers do not form hypotheses. To hypotheses from data.
A grounded theory researcher's goal is to explain how people deal with major difficulties
throughout time and place. These concepts organise data. A concept becomes a hypothesis
component. Assumptions form a hypothesis. Most behavioral research studies persons or
patients, while grounded theory studies an event. In a grounded theory study, each participant
recalls hundreds of events. To compare numerous cases in a study field, emerging concepts and
their linkages are critical. This method may be applied with any kind of data; however, it is most
often employed with qualitative data (Wiesche et al., 2017).
Most grounded theory researchers do not analyses their qualitative data statistically.
However, there may be probability statements about the relationship between concepts in
grounded theory research. Ground theory has no internal validity issues. Validity, utility, and
adaptability are emphasized in grounded theory. Theoretical validity is valued over empirical
validity. Supporters of grounded theory call unchanging measurement from a single mode of
observation "quixotic dependability." Theories that fit circumstances have concepts that are
relevant to the situations. Not just academic concerns are investigated in grounded theory-based
qualitative research. Grounded theory addresses the topic at hand and associated concerns.
Comparing new and old data may alter a notion (Belgrave & Seide, 2019).
Significance
The ecological validity, the discovery of novel phenomena, and the condensed nature of
the study are all benefits of grounded theory. The ecological validity of a research may be

described as the extent to which its findings accurately reflect the real-world situation.
Ecological validity is often ascribed to grounded theory research due to the study's proximity to
real-world participants. While grounded theories seek to explain related events, their
constructions are context-specific, exact, and inextricably tied to the relevant facts. Without a
prior theory binding them down, fresh discoveries in science and other domains are conceivable.
When two hypotheses make the same prediction, parsimony refers to a scientific heuristic that
states that the hypothesis with the fewest assumptions is chosen. For instance, grounded theories
attempt to explain complex occurrences by associating them with abstract structures and
hypothesizing relationships between them. This is referred to as grounded theory (Dougherty,
2017).
Apart from this, grounded theory is important since it provides a framework for qualitative
research.
 The analytical phases of the investigation are discussed in full here.
 It facilitates the collection and analysis of data in an integrated way.
 Qualitative approaches may help to legitimize scientific study.
To reference this remark, grounded theory techniques have become a widely used form of
social research, influencing academics across a range of subjects and professions.
Answer 2
Advantages
The advantages of applying grounded theory are as follow:

1. Using grounded theory, it is possible to discern the locational character of knowledge and
practice.
2. 'Thick' descriptions of contradiction and conflict are the result of grounded theory.
3. In reality, grounded theory is more accurate in predicting what will really happen.
4. Grounded theory is a generic theory that may be applied to a wide range of subjects.
5. Changes in the environment that influence behavior may affect the way grounded theory
is used and how it evolves.
6. Resourceful data that helps the researcher develop a more complete analysis of the data,
allowing the researcher to get an in-depth understanding of their subjects' social lives, is
provided.
Disadvantages
There are multiple disadvantages of applying grounded theory:
1. Data generated through grounded theory approaches might be challenging to handle.
2. Grounded theory approaches need a high level of expertise among researchers.
3. There are no set guidelines for determining which categories are appropriate for a given
situation.
4. Open coding is a time-consuming and arduous technique that sometimes overwhelms
researchers. Conceptual encapsulation and abstraction is a difficult endeavor.
5. Because the primary purpose of qualitative research is to give genuine and contextualized
knowledge of human experience, generalization is problematic and challenging (Belgrave
& Seide, 2019).
Answer 3

Summary
Two sociologists, Anselm Strauss and Barney Glaser, first came up with the term
"grounded theory" in the 1970s. It was suggested that researchers required a way to go from
evidence to theory. New, contextualized ideas were able to emerge because of the advent of
grounded theory. The chapter finishes with a summary of the grounded theory method's primary
analytical notions. A significant distinction exists between content analysis and grounded theory
when it comes to identifying categories. As the study process progresses, the categories are not
mutually exclusive and are constantly changing. The coding methods for classifying data in
grounded theory are distinct for each edition. Researchers may build up categories and then
break them down into smaller units of meaning by constant comparative study.
Any homogenizing drive may be thwarted by linking and integrating categories in such a
manner that all examples of variation are included in the emergent theory. Existing, and
increasingly analytic, categories are refined and saturated by theoretical sampling (see below).
As the data are collected and analyzed, the researcher keeps a written record of the theory's
development. Write definitions and justify labels for each category in order to trace their
emerging ties to each other. Unlike most other research approaches, grounded theory combines
the data collecting and analysis procedures.
In an effort to 'ground' the analysis, the researcher shifts between the two. An important
part of doing research is going back and re-examining prior phases to see if any changes need to
be made. Developing a hypothesis based on what we know about a subject is called grounded
theory. An open-ended inquiry with no 'yes/no' responses should be the starting point of
grounded theory research. There should not be any assumptions made regarding the phenomena
of interest.

The original data is only used in the abridged grounded theory. The complete version
enables the researcher to go farther, to look for the manifestations of categories in the world.
Unless time or resources are at a minimum, we should not employ it as our first option. The use
of line-by-by-line analysis guarantees that the conclusions we get from our research are based on
solid research and not just extrapolations from the data. We may organize our categories into
meaningful and hierarchical groups, with some categories being the 'core' and others being the
'periphery'.
However, there are certain fundamental criteria that all researchers should follow when
reporting their findings from qualitative research. Interactional methods that participants employ
while dealing with categories are also a focus of these concerns, as are questions regarding the
environment in which they are placed. New, contextualized ideas are the goal of grounded theory
research. It is important to be cautious while reviewing previous studies. An extension or test of
an existing hypothesis is not appropriate for this report. Research should not begin until the study
is complete, according to certain grounded theory advocates (Guest et al., 2013).
Critical Analysis
Social scientists utilize grounded theory to do qualitative research. That is, using facts to
form hypotheses and theories. Grounded theory uses inductive reasoning. Unlike most scientific
research, which is hypothetic-deductive. It generally begins with a question or with gathering
qualitative data. Ideas or conceptions develop when scholars study data. Therefore, the data
"emerges" these thoughts. To summarize, the researchers give codes. Codes may ultimately be
grouped into higher-level concepts and categories. That is a novel hypothesis. Instead of picking
an existing theoretical framework, researchers create hypotheses based on it and collect data to
assess their validity.

Grounded theory combines positivism, general sociology, and symbolic interactionism.
Grounded theory, according to Ralph, Birks, and Chapman, is "methodologically dynamic" in
that it allows for better understanding human contexts. Glaser's positivist background aided him
in categorizing qualitative remarks from study participants. Qualitative research needs systematic
analysis. Therefore, he needs codes, categories, and characteristics. To understand how people
interact to produce and shape symbols, and how symbols influence behavior, Strauss investigated
symbolic interactionism. They build a person’s worldview. Stauss stressed the importance of
qualitative research in understanding social dynamics (Timonen et al., 2018).
According to Glaser, grounded theory assesses personal meaning in social interaction.
Grounded theory is used to investigate the meaning-behavior relationship. Theoretical data
generate symbolic codes. The goal is to better understand people's phenomenal worlds using
grounded theory. To understand people's behaviors and realities, Milliken and Schreiber contend
that grounded theorists must understand socially shared meanings. From qualitative data,
hypotheses may be drawn. Other researchers must next test the concepts. What's going on?"
Identifying and resolving the major problem of the participants is essential. "Truth" is not a goal
for researchers. To put it another way, they are interested in learning about the lives of the people
they are studying. Grounded theory researchers do not construct hypotheses in order to gather
data. For data-driven theories (Bryant & Charmaz, 2019).
Researchers that use grounded theory are trying to understand how humans have dealt
with key challenges throughout time and location. Concepts such as these are useful for
organizing data. An idea is transformed into a hypothesis. A hypothesis is made up of
assumptions. Grounded theory, on the other hand, focuses on events rather than individuals.
Participants in grounded theory studies remember hundreds of occurrences. Emerging ideas and

their connections are essential for comparing several situations in a research topic. Any kind of
data may be used in this strategy; however, qualitative data are most often used.
A majority of grounded theory researchers do not use statistical methods to analyze their
qualitative datasets. However, in grounded theory research, there may be probabilistic claims
concerning the link between ideas. There are no problems with ground theory's internal validity.
Implications and adaptability are important to empirical research. Theoretical validity is seen as
more important than empirical one. Grounded theory advocates refer to "quixotic dependability"
when it comes to relying only on a single method of observation. Concepts relevant to the issue
are found in theories that match the context. Qualitative research based on grounded theory
examines a wide range of topics, not simply those related to academia. Concerns about the issue
at hand are also addressed by grounded theory (Chun et al., 2019). New and old facts may
change an opinion.
The examination of based theories is a set of straightforward procedures that begin with
data collecting.
1. The quest for a theory in grounded theory research starts with the first coded phrase of
the first interview. A little chunk of the text is coded line by line. To emphasize relevant
themes, key sentences are highlighted. The concepts have been mentioned. After then, the
process is repeated with a fresh part of text and the procedures stated before. Strauss and
Corbin refer to this process as open coding. Analyzing data in such a manner that its
conceptual components become apparent is a necessary step in the process. Theorizing is
the next stage, and it requires grouping ideas and determining how they fit into a larger
concept. The strategy of continual comparison is crucial in this case.

2. When a researcher jots down running notes for each topic under investigation, this is
referred to as "memorizing." Between coding and writing the analysis's original draught,
the running notes serve as a transitional step. There are memos, which are field notes
containing observations-related ideas and insights. Once the first concept is recognized,
the memorizing process starts. The practice of remembering aids in the formation of
theories.
3. Integrating, refining, and recording concepts: Following that, the coding categories are
connected in a theoretical model centered on a core category that anchors the
conceptions. The use of negative case analysis and a continual comparison approach is
necessary (Lambert, 2019).
When it comes to the science of theories, there has been some debate. Thomas and James
point out, for instance, that whereas grounded theory attempts to account for a wide range of
facts, many scientific theories do not. According to Thomas and James, "the concerns arise when
too much is asserted for only because it is empirical." Those who believe in grounding theory
may make causal inferences when they see a correlation.
A common criticism of Grounded Theory is that it allows too much researcher subjectivity.
Glaser and Strauss say that it is impossible to obtain and analyze data without bias. Furthermore,
Popper argues against the idea that ideas are born from a lack of preconceptions. As stated by
Popper, "Objects can only be classified and deemed similar or distinct if they are linked to one's
desires and interests. Due to prior research and the researcher's goals, an unprejudiced
observation is impossible. It is claimed that grounded theory fails to reduce participant reactivity
and that it may lead to an investigator over-identifying with one or more study participants.

They highlight the formulaic nature of grounded theory techniques and the lack of
congruence with free and creative interpretation, which should be the hallmark of qualitative
study. Grounded theory has been criticized for relying too much on empirical data. Grounded
theory is based on data gathered in the field. In this way, new fieldwork theories are contrasted to
older fieldwork notions.
Other objections of Strauss' grounded theory have also been raised.
1. Grounded theory researchers may have a quasi-objective perspective, focusing on
hypotheses, variables, dependability, and replicability of their findings. “Contradictory
results are the result of a multi-faceted approach.
2. Not reading the literature is a bad idea since it snubs established ideas.
3. As a result, Grounded Theory is more of a theoretical approach to research and data
analysis than a methodological one.
4. A more realistic objective for grounded theory researchers could be to generate concepts
rather than formal theories, since some of their work has resulted in poorly stated theories
(Charmaz& Thornberg, 2020).
Quantitative approaches were regarded unscientific at the time Grounded theory was
founded, which is why it was so important. The academic rigor of qualitative research, on the
other hand, has gained widespread recognition since its discovery. Methods of qualitative
research are often associated with those of grounded theory in American academia. Engaged
theory is a possible alternative to grounded research.
It is equally important to perform empirical research on the ground and relate it to analytical
procedures of empirical generalization in engaged theory. Engaged theory, on the other hand, is

derived from the critical theory tradition. Enabling researchers to make claims about the world at
large engaged theory locates analytical methods within a broader theoretical framework that
defines distinct degrees of abstraction.
With less theoretical assumptions than grounded theory, Braun and Clarke believe that theme
analysis may be employed in a variety of theoretical contexts. Because it is not tied to any prior
framework for making sense of qualitative data, thematic analysis is freer than grounded theory,
according to the authors' words. Braun and Clarke, on the other hand, acknowledge that
grounded theory and theme analysis have certain similarities, but favor thematic analysis.

References
Bryant, A., & Charmaz, K. (Eds.). (2019). The SAGE Handbook of Current Developments in
Grounded Theory. Sage.
Belgrave, L. L., & Seide, K. (2019). Grounded Theory Methodology: Principles and Practices. In
Handbook of Research Methods in Health Social Sciences (pp. 299-316). Springer.
Singapore.
Charmaz, K., & Thornberg, R. (2020). The Pursuit of Quality in Grounded Theory. Qualitative
Research in Psychology, 1-23.
Chun Tie, Y., Birks, M., & Francis, K. (2019). Grounded Theory Research: A Design
Framework for Novice Researchers. SAGE open medicine, 7, 2050312118822927.
Dougherty, D. (2017). Grounded Theory Research Methods. The Blackwell Companion to
Organizations, 849-866.
Guest, G., Namey, E. E., & Mitchell, M. L. (2013). Collecting Qualitative Data: A Field Manual
for Applied Research (1st ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
Lambert, M. (2019). Grounded Theory (pp. 132-141). Routledge.
Timonen, V., Foley, G., & Conlon, C. (2018). Challenges When Using Grounded Theory: A
Pragmatic Introduction to Doing GT Research. International Journal of Qualitative
Methods, 17(1), 1609406918758086.
Wiesche, M., Jurisch, M. C., Yetton, P. W., & Krcmar, H. (2017). Grounded theory methodology
in information systems research. MIS quarterly, 41(3), 685-701.

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