Reflections on Choosing to Utilise an
Interpretive Grounded Theory Approach
C M Crouchman
School of Advanced and Continuing Practice
Research Question
An Exploration Of UK Nurses And Midwives
Experiences, Perceptions And Beliefs About
Responding At “Out of Work” Scenarios
Where First Aid May Be Required
Context
• Anecdotal debate
• Profile of first aid in society
• Lack of primary research evidence
• Limited specific literature
Methodology
• Constructivist (Interpretive) Grounded Theory
 Interviews
 Other adjunctive data – researcher log and reflective diary
detailing “the journey”.
• Participant Referral Technique (snowballing)
• Thematic Analysis – constant comparison
The Interviews
•
•
•
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Planning / Piloting
Participant support
Use of imagery as a trigger
Interview approach – laddering technique
Examples of Images
Choosing the Methodology
Why Grounded Theory?
• Emphasis on discovery
• Constant comparative analysis
• Ability to utilise a variety of data
Why Constructivist Approach?
• Researcher as relative insider
• Philosophical perspective –
 Multiple realities v classic approach
• Grappling with Grounded Theory debates and making a
choice for “best fit” (ongoing process)
Grounded Theory Debates / Perspectives
Glaser &Strauss
Strauss & Corbin
Charmaz
Key Methodological Issues For Me
• Novice in both research and Grounded Theory terms
• Much debate surrounding the differing Grounded Theory
approaches leading to a sense of confusion and a need
to clarify own understanding
• Needing to focus on what was required to address the
research question
• Researcher as a potential insider
• The place of the literature review
• To verify or not
Lessons Learned So Far
• Planning, preparation and appropriate follow up are key
• The use of imagery needs careful and thorough
consideration
• Work through / process own thoughts as researcher
• Develop interviewing skills in line with approach taken
• A means of ongoing reflection is invaluable (Diary, Log)
References
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Charmaz K. (2010) Constructing Grounded Theory. A Practical Guide Through
Qualiatative Analysis. London: Sage Publications Limited.
•
Glaser B., Strauss A. (1967) The Discovery of Grounded Theory. Chicago: Aldine,
•
Glaser B.G. (1992) Basics of Grounded Theory Analysis. Mill Valley, CA: Sociology
Press
•
Knowles G. Cole A. (2007) Handbook of the Arts in Qualitative Inquiry –
perspectives, Methodologies, Examples & Issues. Sage.
•
Mills J., Bonner A., Francis K. (2006) The Development of Constructivist Grounded
Theory. Int. Journal of Qualitative Methods 5 (1) article 3. Accessed Jan 2014from
http://www.ualberta.ca/-iiqm/backissues/5_1/pdf/mills.pdf
•
Strauss A.L. & Corbin J. (1998) Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory
Procedures and Techniques, (2nd ed.) Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Thank you
[email protected]
School of Advanced and Continuing Practice
Faculty of Society and Health
Buckinghamshire New University
Uxbridge Campus
106 Oxford Rd.
Middlesex
UB8 1NA