1. Grounded Theory
An Overview

2. Grounded Theory
In this type of study, the researcher generates an abstract analytical schema of a phenomenon, a theory that explains some action, interaction, or process. This is accomplished primarily through collecting interview data, making multiple visits to the field (theoretical sampling), attempting to develop and interrelate categories (constant comparison) of information, and writing a substantive or context-specific theory (Strauss and Cobin, 1990).

3. Grounded Theory
Focus - developing a theory grounded in the data from the field
Discipline of origin - Sociology
Data collection - interviews with up to individuals to “saturate” categories and detail a theory
Data analysis - open coding, reflective coding, selective interpretation, conditional matrix
Narrative form - Theory or theoretical model

4. Grounded theory provides a perspective that allows the researcher to view the phenomenon as if through the examination lens of an ophthalmologist. The examiner starts with a standard magnification and refocuses through a sequence of lenses until complete clarity is achieved. This refocusing is accomplished in grounded theory through theoretical sampling, which guides the selection of participants and leads to the discovery of a theory grounded in research data. The number of participants can not be determined in advance. “[T]here are no limits set on the number of the participants,
interviewees or data sources”
(Cutcliffe, 2000, p. 1477).

5. Emergent sampling design. The sample is drawn as the study progresses
Emergent sampling design. The sample is drawn as the study progresses. No a priori assumptions are applied. This is the foundational concept upon which the remaining characteristics are based.
Serial selection. Maximum variation is achieved by selecting one sampling unit at a time, moving on to the next only upon the completion of data collection and analysis of the current unit. Each successive unit is chosen based on its potential to extend, contrast, or complete information thus far gathered. In other approaches multiple participants may be selected at once, even entirely up front. In grounded theory, only one unit is selected at a time, guiding the selection of the next. This process is driven by the next characteristic.

6. Continuous adjustment or focusing
Continuous adjustment or focusing. The initial sampling unit meets the broadest interpretation of the required contextual qualities. As working hypotheses begin to develop, the sample is refined to allow the investigator to focus on the most relevant units.
Selection to the point of redundancy. The sample size is determined by informational considerations. Sampling continues until no new information is forthcoming, until saturation is achieved. This final characteristic leads to saturation to assure that all relevant data are collected and a trustworthy theory is developed.

7. Grounded Theory Coding
Have all categories been saturated?
Interview/
Observation
Select-ive
Coding
Open
Coding No
Theoretical
Coding
Substant-ive
Coding
Yes
Theory

8. Grounded Theory Coding
Glaser (1978) describes two types of grounded theory codes, substantive and theoretical:
There are basically two types of codes to generate: substantive and theoretical. Substantive codes conceptualize the empirical substance of the area of research. Theoretical codes conceptualize how the substantive codes may relate to each other as hypotheses to be integrated into the theory (p. 54).
The procedures of open and selective coding are employed to develop substantive codes while theoretical coding is used for theoretical codes.
These procedure occur concomitantly with data collection. This is the dynamic aspect of grounded theory.

9. Constructivist Grounded Theory
Gain theoretical sensitivity in both the ecology & in the literature
Informants: purposeful theoretical sampling, selected for criteria.
Analysis is iterative, & alternately inductive & deductive, weaving from one coding phase to the next.
Open coding is very detailed, separating each strand of data from the rest
Reflective coding begins weaving the strands together
Step back - what’s happening here?
Selective coding is the Interpretation Phase
Tools I devised led me to the story line
Story line led to the emergence of the theoretical position
McCaslin, M.L. & Scott, K.W. (2003). “Method for Studying a Human Ecology: An Adaptation of the Grounded Theory Tradition.” The Researcher. (17) 1, pp

10. Literature Constructivist Grounded Theory: (McCaslin/Scott)
Technical Non-Tech
Constructivist Grounded Theory: (McCaslin/Scott)
Ecology
Observations Interviews
Open Coding Analysis
Concepts - Categories - Properties & Dimensions
Reflective Coding Analysis
Reassemble New Way - Link Categories & Dimensions
Conditional Relationship Guide & Reflective Coding Matrix
Selective Coding/Interpretation
Validate Relationships - Discover Patterns
Develop Story Line & Theoretical Position
Grounding the Theory
Crystallize: Data, Literature, Informants in Ecology
What’s happening?

11. Constructivist Grounded Theory with the additional of Meta-Interpretation
McCaslin & Carlson

12. Constructivist Grounded Theory with the additional of Meta-Interpretation (Cont.)
Note: Stage 4 and on is Glaser and Strauss’s original Model (1967)
McCaslin & Carlson

13. Example of Open Coding Analysis
1908 Categories
Age Limitations in Biking Unknown
Age Perspective
Age Illusion
Age Limitations in Writing Unknown
Age Affects View of Ability
Age Benefit
Age Limitations in Pursuit Unknown
Age & Impetus to Decide
Age Affects Ability to Learn
Age Increases Challenge
Age Limiting in Solo Voyage
Age Motivator
Age Impediment
Age Affecting Ability
Age Perception
Age & Adversity
Age Limits Choices
Age Limiting Factor
Age Factor
54 Categories

14. Reflective Coding Matrix Logic Flow
McCaslin & Carlson

15. Reflective Coding Analysis
54 Categories
Conditional Relationship Guide:
What? When? Where? Why? How? Consequence?
Reflective Coding Matrix

16. Reflective Coding Matrix example.

17. Example of a Conditional Matrix (Graphic format)
Positive Force
Personal Criteria
Congruous Autonomy
Inner Voice
Belief, Identity, Self-Efficacy
Follow Inspiration, Conviction
Choice, Obstacles Part of Process
Epiphany: Risk/Sacrifice Urgency
Achievement in Steps
Development, Meaning
Criteria,
Rightness

18. Conditional Matrix Textual (example)

19. Example 2 (from same study as above) Graphical Conditional Matrix

20. A Grounded Theory
The theory emerges from the data when the researcher has developed trust in the theory, when she sees that it fits, works, and is modifiable (Glaser, 1992).
The researcher develops the reported theory. But, in the final analysis, it is the reader who decides if the presented theory explains all of the variation in behavior, if the study is trustworthy (Lincoln & Guba, 1985).