By You know, research is one of the most complicated and challenging parts of your academic life. But it is something that you cannot just escape. So, it’s always better to accept this reality and face it.
So, if you are writing your dissertation and are looking for some good options for qualitative research methods. Then I got a good one for you.
“Grounded Theory Research Method”
Well, there are many good options when you are conducting quantitative research. But when your data is qualitative. It gets really hard and tricky to analyze and interpret your information. But trust me, this is going to be a game-changer for you. And can make a difference for you here.
So, this blog will provide you with a practical guide to Grounded Theory research methods. Thus, in the end, you will know everything that you need to know about this method.
Understanding Grounded Theory:
So, the first thing that we need to know is what exactly this method is. And when can you apply it in your dissertations?
Thus, this theory is a qualitative research method. It focuses primarily on generating theories directly from your data.
Yeah, instead of starting with a hypothesis like the other methods. This method simply derives your theory from the actual data. And your whole research is based on it. So, it’s not a deductive approach, but an inductive one. Steering you right to your theory.
When To Use It?
Now, the point is when should you use it? It’s really simple. You should use this approach when there is no existing theory on your research topic or phenomena.
You can also use it when the theory exists. However, the sample is not relevant to the scope of your research.
Advantages Of Using Grounded Theory:
If you are wondering why should you use this theory. Then here are some benefits of using this amazing approach in your dissertations.
1. Results Represents Practical Settings
Well, in this method. You are collecting your data through various methods like surveys, and interviews of real participants. So, the findings represent the real-world settings. As the theory is technically driven from the actual participants.
2. Findings Are Linked To Data
Unlike other theories depending on the hypothesis. This method offers the data center of the stage. So, not only the theory is derived from the data. However, the results are tightly linked to the original data as well.
3. Best For New Discoveries
Well, grounded theory is one of the best methods for new explorations and discoveries. As this one is not dependent on any existing theory. But it’s a whole new theory that is derived straight from data analysis. Hence, it offers ground for discoveries in research.
4. Provides Analysis Strategies
This theory also offers various specific methods for analysis to keep your research streamlined. So, this can be helpful for you.
And if things get complicated. Then you always have professional Dissertation Writing Services at your back.
5. Data Collection & Analysis Are Interlinked
Ah, let’s come to the best part of this method. You know in this whole process. Your data collection and analysis are tightly linked together. So, they are beautifully interwoven into a strong pattern and go side by side during your whole research.
Grounded Theory Limitations In Research:
Well, not everything is perfect. They always have two sides. And So does this theory. Thus, here is the other side of the story for you to help you better understand it.
1. Difficult To Apply
The first limitation of this theory is that it is really hard to implement. Specifically, its recurring recruitment process.
Well, this theory depends on theoretical sampling. Hence, you will keep recruiting a new batch of participants for interviewing. And your process keeps evolving as well. So, it gets messy sometimes.
2. Time Consuming
When you are continuously depending on new participants. And keep interviewing the new and old ones. This is going to take a lot of time. So, you cannot set a predefined time frame for this one. But time is a big drawback of this method.
3. Complexities In Analysis
It’s not easy to analyze your data in the grounded theory method. It’s not done on a one-time basis. But it’s a continuous task. So, it is done constantly as you keep collecting your data.
Thus, you keep on comparing your data with the previous ones. So, it gets really hard to keep track of your analysis and results.
Steps For Conducting Grounded Theory:
Phew, that was such a hectic ride. I know you must have many questions in your mind already. And lots of your doubts are already clear. So, let us move to the final part of our blog. And learn how you can practically apply this theory to your dissertation research.
Thus, to keep it simple and easy. I am keeping it brief for you and breaking down this whole complicated process into a few simple steps to help you master it.
So, if you are utilizing this approach, then follow these steps:
- Identify the primary research questions of your dissertations.
- Now start collecting your data using the Theoretical model framework.
- Start decoding your information and use the method of open-coding
- Now, group together your excerpts to organize them using the same technique.
- It is time to organize them into categories using the axial coding technique.
- Analyze and evaluate more transcripts using various comparative study methods.
- Keep on collecting and analyzing your data until you reach a point of saturation.
- Highlight your key group using the selective coding method
- Finally, write your grounded theory based on your analysis of data.
So, this is how you can do it. You can follow each step carefully to reach your grounded theory for your research.
Final Words:
In a nutshell, the grounded theory method is a powerful research tool that can add valuable insight to your research journey. Well, it surely requires lots of time and effort. But it is worth it. And offers an excellent choice for exploring complex and practical issues. Thus, interpretation of qualitative data for your dissertation.
And I am sure that after reading this blog. You will be clear about everything related to this amazing research method. So, best of luck with your dissertation journey!
