Grounded Theory Approach | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

• Grounded theory is a fundamental and widely used approach in qualitative research. It involves the generation of theory based on data collected from various sources. Unlike other qualitative research methods, grounded theory can also incorporate quantitative data when necessary. The approach focuses on collecting and interpreting data from textual sources such as field notes or video recordings. The data is then categorized into different variables, and the interrelationship between these variables is analyzed and studied.
• The process of dividing and forming variables requires a solid understanding of the existing literature, and the selection of the technique for creating variables is equally important. The ability to analyze and interpret variables is referred to as "theoretical sensitivity," which the theorist must emphasize and enhance. Glaser and Strauss developed the grounded theory approach in the 1960s. This unit explores the key goals and perspectives of grounded theory, along with the various methods and techniques used. The steps or stages involved in formulating theory using this approach will also be discussed. The unit aims to provide a clear understanding of the grounded theory approach and address other relevant aspects of this theoretical approach.

Goals and Perspective of grounded theory

Grounded theory serves as a guiding framework for researchers, enabling them to generate new theories or modify existing ones. The strength of the grounded theory approach lies in its reliance on data collected from multiple sources, making the interpretation and conclusions more reliable. Instead of focusing on individual variables, grounded theory analyzes similar cases to understand the underlying causes and reasons behind different outcomes despite similar variables.

• The approach follows a systematic series of steps and utilizes data from various sources, aiming to produce a "good theory" as the output.
• Evaluation of the theory is emphasized, ensuring its quality.
• Enhancing theoretical sensitivity is a key aspect of grounded theory.
• Formulating hypotheses based on conceptual ideas is a goal of grounded theory.
• By asking specific questions, researchers seek to uncover participants' primary concerns and how they continuously strive to resolve them.

Grounded theory aims to generate concepts that explain people's actions irrespective of time and place, with the descriptive parts serving to illustrate these concepts. According to Glaser (1998), grounded theory occurs through a variety of methods, including sequential, subsequent, simultaneous, serendipitous, and scheduled processes. However, it's important to note that the results of grounded theories are not a mere reporting of facts, but rather a set of probability statements regarding the relationship between concepts or an integrated set of conceptual hypotheses derived from empirical data (Glaser, 1998).

Method of Grounded Theory

• In contrast to other qualitative research methods, grounded theorists do not advocate for the collection of data through recording and transcribing interviews, considering it a time-consuming practice in grounded theories. The grounded theory process is much faster, as researchers extract relevant information from interviews through field notes and promptly generate concepts that align with the data and effectively explain how participants address their main concerns. 
• Engaging in discussions and talks about the theory before its written formulation can deplete the researcher's motivational energy. Such discussions can elicit praise or criticism, both of which can diminish the drive to write memos that refine and develop the concepts and theory (Glaser, 1998). Data serves as a fundamental element of grounded theory, implying that anything encountered by the researcher during the study becomes data. This includes not only interviews and observations but also various sources such as informal interviews, lectures, seminars, expert group meetings, newspaper articles, online forums, and even conversations with friends or television shows. 
• Additionally, it is acceptable, and sometimes beneficial, for a researcher with significant knowledge in the field under study to interview themselves, treating that self-interview as any other data. This process allows for gaining insights from the researcher's conceptual-level knowledge, which aligns with the focus of grounded theory on conceptual-level data.

Step of Grounded Theory

The grounded theory approach involves a systematic process for generating theories, which includes the following steps:

Memoing: The initial objective of the researcher is to collect data in the form of memos, which are short notes that are written and prepared. These memos serve as a source of data for further analysis and interpretation. There are three ways in which these memos can be prepared:

• Theoretical notes: These notes establish the relationship between the textual data and the existing literature relevant to the study. Typically, a theoretical note consists of one to five pages. The final theory and report are an integration of several theoretical notes.
• Field notes: These notes are prepared when the researcher actively engages with the population, culture, or community under study. They capture observations of behaviors, interactions, events, or situations that occur in real-time, along with the underlying causal factors.
• Code notes: The researcher may also create notes by assigning names, labels, or categories to things, properties, and events. Code notes discuss the codes used for such labeling. These notes serve as a source for the formation of final reports and act as a guide for the researcher during the analysis of text or cases.

Sorting: Once the memos are prepared, the collected information or data is sorted to organize it properly. Sorting helps in establishing connections between information and ideas, and it may also reveal additional relevant information or ideas that were not apparent during the memoing stage.

Writing: After sorting the memos, the next step in theory preparation is writing. The researcher arranges, relates, and expresses the collected information in words. This stage involves giving shape and meaning to the relevant data. It is a crucial stage where the researcher interprets the information based on their own perspectives. The collected information is also linked with existing relevant literature to contextualize the theory within scholarly discourse.

Types of Coding in Grounded Theory

Grounded theorists engage in the analysis and categorization of events, aiming to uncover the meaning embedded within the text using code notes that have been prepared. The process of preparing code notes can be approached in three ways:

• Selective Coding: In this coding method, the grounded theorist selects a central or major category from the available categories and then explores the relationships between this major category and the other categories. The focus is on understanding how the other categories influence the major category or how the major category impacts the related categories.
• Open Coding: This coding process involves the identification, labeling, and analysis of phenomena found in the text. The grounded theorist generalizes and categorizes names, events, or properties into more overarching categories or dimensions.
• Axial Coding: Axial coding entails establishing connections between categories or properties (codes) through deductive and inductive thinking. Grounded theorists analyze the causal relationships between these variables, examining which code serves as the "cause" that leads to the occurrence of other codes, known as the "context." The emphasis is placed on interpreting and analyzing the cause codes and context codes, with less focus on the consequences of the phenomenon itself.

Relevance of Grounded Theory

The significance of the data collected and the theory generated through the grounded theory approach can be understood through the following points:

• The data collected from various sources and utilized in the grounded theory report enhances the reliability and validity of the theory. This diverse data collection process increases the chances of obtaining comprehensive and accurate insights.
• Grounded theory offers an opportunity to explore facts and delve into the causal reasons behind those facts. It allows researchers to analyze the underlying causes and relationships, providing a deeper understanding of the phenomena under investigation.
• Grounded theory is an inductive research approach grounded in observations and collected data. It emphasizes building theories based on the specific data at hand, enabling researchers to develop a theory that emerges from the data itself.
• The grounded theory approach serves as a foundation for specifying how a knowledge base should be revised or updated in light of new information. It enables researchers to refine existing knowledge and adapt theories based on the insights gained through the grounded theory process.
• Categorizing the data is a common practice in grounded theory, and this categorization forms the basis for organizing and reporting the results. By categorizing the data, researchers can identify patterns, themes, and relationships, allowing for a structured presentation of findings and enhancing the clarity of the research outcomes.

The implication of Grounded Theory

The grounded theory approach in research has numerous significant implications and benefits, contributing to various disciplines. Some of the important implications are as follows:

• Grounded theory is often employed in policy formulation and program evaluation research, as it effectively addresses unanswered questions and provides valuable insights.
• The grounded theory approach can be utilized to analyze consumer demands and preferences within the existing market. It offers a systematic method for understanding consumer behavior and identifying market trends.
• This approach is also applicable in analyzing product positioning and identifying advertising opportunities. Grounded theory helps in comprehending consumer perceptions and determining effective marketing strategies.
• Grounded theory is considered one of the most valuable theoretical approaches across multiple fields, including education, management, women's studies, information studies, politics, and communities. Its versatility allows for the exploration of various topics and phenomena within these disciplines.
• The grounded theory approach contributes to understanding, analyzing, and describing human psychology and experience. It provides a framework for examining and interpreting the complexities of human behavior, emotions, and motivations.

Overall, the grounded theory approach yields practical implications and benefits across diverse domains, enhancing research methodologies and enriching our understanding of various aspects of society.