A note on the grounded theory

A note on the grounded theory [information from perplexity.ai]

My question 1: "What is the grounded theory all about with reference to the fields of business management, housing studies, and accounting and finance?"

The reply: "Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology used to develop theories based on data9. It involves collecting and analyzing data to construct hypotheses and theories, using inductive reasoning1. This approach contrasts with traditional scientific research that employs the hypothetico-deductive model1. Grounded theory is applied in various fields, including business management, housing studies, and accounting and finance473.

:

• : Identifying key points in the data by tagging ideas and concepts with codes1.

• : Grouping codes of similar content to allow for data organization1.

• : Forming broad groups of similar concepts that are used to generate a theory1.

• : Detailing the subject of the research through a collection of categories1.

1. : Data collection and analysis are intertwined, with analysis starting after the initial data collection phase. The results inform subsequent data collection phases. This iterative process involves evaluating the studied phenomena for similarities and differences2.

2. : The search for a theory begins with the first line of the first interview that one codes. Small chunks of the text are coded line-by-line. Useful concepts are identified where key phrases are marked1.

3. : Memoing involves writing running notes on each of the identified concepts. These notes serve as an intermediate step between coding and the first draft of the analysis and contribute to theory building1.

4. : Once coding categories emerge, they are linked together in a theoretical model constructed around a central category. The constant comparative method and negative case analysis are employed1.

:

• : Grounded theory is used to build new concepts and theoretical foundations specific to business phenomena. It helps researchers develop theories grounded in qualitative data2.

• : Grounded theory is applied in various fields of management, including marketing, finance, human resources, and strategic and operational management7. The method helps in understanding the nature and rationale of observed incidents, starting from specific situations7.

• : Grounded theory can be a practical tool to lend support to theories about housing decisions3. For example, it has been used to study the motivations behind housing decisions related to the proximity of wind energy facilities and the potential risk of adverse health effects3.

• : Grounded theory is suitable for understanding or developing new theories or strategies using empirical results4. It is applied in areas such as e-commerce, behavioral accounting, budget research, and corporate governance4."

My question 2: "What are the qualitative data gathering and analysis steps involved in the grounded theory?"

The reply: "Grounded theory is a qualitative research method where empirical data is collected first, and then a theory is created that is "grounded" in the results5. The grounded theory approach is flexible, without rigid rules or strictly prescribed analytical steps910. The research process can be organized into characteristic working stages910:

1.  The researcher decides on an area of interest and may create a guide for data collection to avoid preconceived ideas from impacting the research5. Open-ended initial research questions are created5.

2. : Qualitative data is gathered through interviews with open-ended questions and surveys, studying historical or archival data, or observing participants and interpreting what is seen35. Data collection methods are fundamental to the application of grounded theory3. Interviews are a powerful tool, allowing for in-depth exploration of participant experiences3. Focus groups can also provide valuable insights, facilitating a dynamic conversation among participants that reveals shared themes3.

3. : Data analysis happens at the same time as data collection, also known as constant comparative analysis or theoretical sampling5. After the initial phase of data collection, researchers repeat a cycle of steps, as the developing understanding of concepts, categories, and relationships informs their actions at each step7. This collected data is transferred into transcripts5.

4. : Researchers dissect their data into manageable pieces to identify patterns, themes, and key insights that emerge naturally from the information4. Researchers begin to dissect their data into manageable pieces4. This process typically starts after data collection, such as transcribing interviews or gathering observational notes4. By breaking down the data into initial codes, researchers can identify patterns, themes, and key insights that emerge naturally from the information4.

5. : Assigning words or labels that are useful to the social phenomena that is being investigated5. Useful concepts are identified where key phrases are marked5. The categories or themes are compared and further refined by data until only a few strong categories or themes remain5.

6.  Researchers compare data against emerging theories, ensuring that the findings are closely tied to participant experiences3.

7.  MAXQDA supports the systematic identification, comparison, and coding of relevant data segments910.

8. : The core categories and themes that have been gathered are integrated into one central idea (a new theory) using selective code5. The new theory should be a few simple sentences that describe the research, indicating what was and was not covered in it5."

My question 3: "Does the grounded theory employ the inductive, the deductive and the abductive approaches? And which approach is the chief one to use in the grounded theory?"

The reply: "Grounded theory primarily employs the inductive approach to research, focusing on generating theories directly from the data collected. This methodology contrasts with deductive approaches, where hypotheses are formulated before data collection, and then tested against the data. In grounded theory, researchers begin with qualitative data without preconceived notions, allowing theories to emerge from the analysis of that data15.

While grounded theory is fundamentally inductive, it can also incorporate elements of abductive reasoning. Abduction involves making educated guesses or hypotheses based on incomplete observations. In grounded theory, as researchers analyze data and develop insights, they may generate hypotheses that explain phenomena observed in the data. However, the primary focus remains on the inductive development of theory from actual data rather than testing existing theories or hypotheses24.

:

• : Grounded theory is predominantly inductive, focusing on deriving theories from data rather than starting with a hypothesis15.

• : While not the primary approach, grounded theory can include abductive reasoning when researchers form hypotheses based on emerging patterns in the data24.

• : Grounded theory does not typically employ a deductive approach, as this would contradict its foundational principles of theory generation from data15.

In summary, while grounded theory is primarily an inductive methodology, it may also utilize abductive reasoning during the research process."

My question 4: "How does the iterative process in grounded theory contribute to theoretical saturation?"

The reply: "The iterative process in grounded theory significantly contributes to achieving theoretical saturation, which is the point at which no new insights or properties emerge from additional data collection. This iterative nature involves continuous cycles of data collection, analysis, and theoretical sampling, allowing researchers to refine their understanding and develop robust theories.

1. :

   • Grounded theory emphasizes that data collection and analysis occur concurrently. As researchers gather data, they immediately analyze it through coding, which informs subsequent data collection efforts. This ongoing interaction allows for a dynamic understanding of emerging categories and themes13.

2. :

   • Researchers engage in constant comparison of new data against existing categories. This method helps identify whether additional data contributes new insights or reinforces current understandings. If new data does not yield fresh insights, researchers can conclude that theoretical saturation has been reached for those categories12.

3. :

   • The iterative process includes theoretical sampling, where researchers purposefully select new data sources based on emerging theories. This approach ensures that the data collected is relevant and rich enough to further develop or refine the categories under investigation. As new insights are gained, sampling decisions evolve accordingly24.

4. :

   • Through the iterative cycles, categories are continuously refined and elaborated upon. Researchers assess the depth and breadth of each category, ensuring that they capture the full range of experiences and perspectives related to the phenomenon being studied. When no new properties or relationships are identified within these categories, saturation is considered achieved13.

5. :

   • The iterative process allows researchers to recognize indicators of saturation, such as redundancy in data or a lack of new insights during interviews or observations. This reflective practice requires analytical skills and theoretical sensitivity to determine when sufficient understanding has been achieved15.

6. :

   • As categories become saturated, researchers integrate their findings into a coherent theoretical framework that explains the relationships between various concepts. This integration is crucial for developing a comprehensive theory that accurately reflects the studied experience37.

In summary, the iterative process in grounded theory fosters an environment where continuous data collection and analysis lead to theoretical saturation by ensuring that categories are well-developed and comprehensive. Researchers can confidently conclude their studies when additional data no longer contributes meaningful insights, indicating that they have reached a point of theoretical completeness."

My question 5: "How has the grounded theory evolved over the past 20 years?"

The reply: "Over the past 20 years, grounded theory has undergone significant evolution, reflecting changes in methodology, application, and theoretical perspectives. Here are the key developments:

1. 

Grounded theory has branched into various schools of thought, each adapting the original methodology to fit different philosophical and practical contexts. Notable adaptations include:

• : Developed by Kathy Charmaz, this approach emphasizes the co-construction of knowledge between researcher and participant, acknowledging the subjective nature of social phenomena14.

• : Introduced by Adele Clarke, this variant incorporates a broader context by considering the social, historical, and political situations surrounding the data14.

• : This approach integrates participatory action research principles, aiming for social change through research4.

2. 

The philosophical foundations of grounded theory have expanded beyond its original modernist roots. Recent developments have embraced constructivism and postmodernism, allowing for more nuanced interpretations of data that account for power dynamics and participant perspectives48. This shift has encouraged researchers to consider multiple realities and the influence of context on knowledge construction.

3. 

Innovations in data collection and analysis techniques have enhanced grounded theory's applicability:

• The use of technology and software tools (e.g., MAXQDA) has streamlined data organization, coding, and visualization processes5.

• The iterative process of data collection and analysis has been emphasized more strongly, allowing researchers to adapt their methods dynamically based on emerging insights4.

4. 

Grounded theory has gained traction in diverse fields beyond sociology, including management, healthcare, education, and psychology. Its flexibility makes it suitable for exploring complex social phenomena in various contexts27. This interdisciplinary reach has led to a richer exchange of ideas and methodologies.

5. 

As qualitative research methodologies have gained prominence, grounded theory has been recognized as a rigorous scientific approach. It provides structured guidelines for conducting qualitative research while emphasizing the importance of empirical grounding in theory development78. This recognition has legitimized qualitative inquiry within academic circles traditionally dominated by quantitative methods.

Conclusion

The evolution of grounded theory over the past two decades reflects a broader trend towards methodological pluralism in qualitative research. By embracing diverse approaches and integrating new philosophical perspectives, grounded theory continues to adapt to the complexities of social research while maintaining its core principles of data-driven theory development."

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.