Grounded theory in research

Grounded hypothesis in interrogationEvaluate the contribution of grounded surmisal, as an approach to information digest universeThe opinion of grounded surmise is from the Glaser and Strauss investigate in 1967. In 1960s, they made a research for medical personnel to sess with an imminent death of the patients field observation in a hospital, and indeed discovered and geted the grounded surmise. In this essay, I volition evaluate the grounded supposition in 5 representatives. The first part is the characteristics of grounded theory the sulphur part is the procedure of grounded theory the third part is comparison with another(prenominal) types of research methods and the forth part is the contribution of grounded theory research in focusing field, and the last part is the succeeding(a) of grounded theory.1. The characteristics of grounded theory any(prenominal) perspectives of grounded theoryIn Suddabys (2006) muckle, the grounded theory drop be described asGroun ded theory is best understood historically. The methodological epitome was genuine by Glaser and Strauss (1967) as a reaction against the extreme positivism that had permeated most social research. (Suddaby 2006, p.633)And Gephart (2004) points out(a)Glaser and Strauss (1967) proposed grounded theory as a practical method for conducting research that focuses on the interpretive execute by analysing the the actual production of meanings and concepts utilize by social actors in real settings (Gephart, 2004, p.457).And another view is Glasers perspective (1992, p16), he argues thatThe grounded theory is a general methodology of analysis linked with information line of battle that uses a systematically applied set of methods to generate an inductive theory nearly a solid area.Grounded theory research method is a type of soft research which is found on induction. It employ in umpteen sociological research areas much(prenominal) as education, religion, and many others. Zhi gang (2007) argued that the method is characterized by extracting the theory from the phenomenon to create or enrich existing theoretical system.In the view of Layder (1993), Grounded theory method is a turn of generating a theory, which including constant comparison, thinking, analysis and transformation of information. The characteristics of vehemence on information and more interactional approach, which discombobulates the researchers collect entropy by making use of a continuous and intimate interactions of the parties and events.In summary, in the first place, according to Zhigangs perspective,(2007) the grounded theory is a bottom-up approach to establish substantive theory, which is finding the centre of tutelage concepts reflects the social phenomenon based on systematical data collection, and then generate the relative theory by means of the colligate among these concepts. Secondly, grounded theory must be supported by empirical evidence, but it is not the master (prenominal) feature of grounded theory, the main feature is that it generates overbold theory or idea abstracted form the populate and data analysis. Lastly, in philosophical ideology, grounded theory approach is a paradigm based on the post- positivistic, which strain on falsifying current theory which has been constructed.The comparative analysis the core of data analysis of grounded theoryStrauss Corbin (1998) pointed out that the grounded theory emphasizes on development of the theory, but too the theory is based on the data collection of realities, and continuing data analysis through the comparison.The strategy of comparative analysis usually utilise in sociology research. In grounded theory, it is a very measurable functioning. Glaser and Strauss (1967) argued that it should be first contrasted the use of the method with certain(prenominal) other users in the research process, and then define and describe what type of theory be created through comparative analysis. The purpose of comparative analysis, as a strategic method for generating theory, is to obtain the accurate evidence, which is the dissimilarity between establishing theory and verifying theory. The evidence collected from some comparative groups, which is used to examine whether the maestro evidence was correct.The characteristic of comparative analysis for establishing theory or concept puts a high emphasis on theory as process. In other words, theory is not perfected it needs develop continuously through comparative analysis. Glaser and Strauss (1967) believed that theory renders the reality of social interaction and its structural context as a process.The codingCoding is a key element of the data analysis in grounded theory. BaiKai and YuanBo (2009) argued that the encode is the usually used technology in the qualitative research which is entirely distinguishable from quantitative research. In qualitative research, the purpose of coding is not counted, but rather deconstruc tion of information to form the concept. They would be re-ar hightail itd in different categories, in order to promote the comparison of information and proposition of theoretical concepts in one category.Zhigang (2007) points out that the effective use of the grounded theory chiefly depends on the following two aspects on the one hand, the researchers should make an effort to remove a meaningful direction or area of research. It is vexed to identify the gaps that may exist in the theoretical proposition On the one hand, the researchers should pay attention to data collection and collation, and propose some theoretical assumptions and refining the new conclusions in accordance with the principles, move and techniques of the grounded theory.2. The procedure of the grounded theoryIn Strauss and Corbins view (1998), it is important that focus mainly on the process. They believe that the process is more important as describing and coding everything which is continuously changing.The process of grounded theory research made based on the view of Pandit. N (1996) credit Pandit. N (1996) The Creation of Theory A Recent practical application of the Grounded Theory MethodAs plenty be seen clearly, there are mainly 3 phases in the process of grounded theory research spirit phase, data collection phase and data analysis. The whole process is started at review of technical literature and finished at reaching closure, but it is need to strike out here is that if the result is theoretical saturation after the theoretical sampling gait, it should be restarted the second step selecting cases.According to the Suddabys view (2006), There are 2 key points in the method which described by Glaser and Strauss (1967) constant comparison, and theoretical sampling, in which data are collected and analysed simultaneously, and theoretical sampling, in which decisions about which data should be collected next are determined by the theory that is being constructed. Therefore, t he most important steps in the process are data analysis and theoretical sampling, which are the key variation in contrast with other research methods.3. Comparison with other methods of qualitative researchGrounded theory and other various ways in social research have different advantages and disadvantages. Possibly different types of methods jackpot be used in different areas. questioners select different research methods, could means that they have different research ideas and objectives. At the same time, selection and use of methods could more depend on the topic or the attribute of research. The necessity requirement of obtaining the valuable research findings is the appropriate combining between objectives and methods of the research.Comparison with dead reckoning TestingThe Hypothesis scrutiny method is different from the Grounded theory method. The definition of Hypothesis testing can be described as Hypothesis testing research investigates a phenomenon in terms of a relationship between an independent and dependent variable, both of which are measurable numerically. This relationship is called a hypothesis. The estimate of the research is to test whether the hypothesized relationship is actually true, using statistical methods. (Auerbach and Silverstein, 2003, p.3)Although hypothesis testing and grounded theory are good research methods to do the research in some areas, there are some differences between them. The hypothesis testing method is mainly different from the grounded theory in the process of building theory. In hypothesis testing method, the hypothesis or idea has been generated first. investigateers can make hypothesis without any evidence, then they will look for the evidences or collect data and information to support their hypothesis or idea. In contrast, grounded theory is an inductive method which focuses on the discovery and does not rest on hypothesis testing but on building hypotheses according to the data and relative inf ormation. Suddaby (2006) point out Glaser and Strauss rejected positivist notions of falsification and hypothesis testing and, instead, described an organic process of theory emergence based on how comfortably data fit conceptual categories identified by an observer, by how well the categories explain or predict ongoing interpretations, and by how relevant the categories are to the core issues being observed. (Suddaby, 2006, p.634) It is clear that the hypothesis testing a grounded theory would be used in different fields, such as the hypothesis could be used for bring ining out the mathematics problem and grounded theory could be used in the research in the social areas. Which method can be chosen for research depends on the objectives of the research.Comparison with descriptive anthropologyCreswell (1998) argued that ethnography involves prolonged observation of the group, typically through participant observation in which the research is immersed in the day to day lives of thep eople or through one on one interviews with members of the group. Clearly, the ethnography method could be more used in the research of human, culture and language etc.From the view of Creswell (1998, p148), the following put off can describe the differences between grounded theory and ethnography in data analysis process.Data analysis and representationGrounded theoryEthnographyData managingCreate and organize files for dataCreate and organize files for dataReading, MemoingRead through text, make edge notes, form initial codesRead through text, make margin notes, form initial codesClassifyingEngage in axial codingEngage in open codingAnalyse data for themes and patterned regularitiesInterpretingEngage in selective coding Develop a conditional matrixInterpret and make sense of findingsRepresenting, Visualizing face up a visual theoryPresent propositionsPresent narrative presentation augmented by tables, figures and sketchesSource Creswell, J. (1998) qualitative inquiry and researc h design choosing among five traditionsAs can be seen clearly, the most difference between grounded and ethnography is from classifying step to visualizing step. The 3 core coding steps play an important role in the data analysis of grounded theory, which make the grounded theory can be developed through the constant comparison. And also it is one of the advantages of grounded theory in contrast with other qualitative methods as an approach to data analysis.Mello and Flint (2009) believe that the grounded theory primarily uses interviews, but also uses observation and documents analysis like an ethnography method. It differs from an ethnography method because of its purpose, which is to build theory. analogous many other interpretive qualitative approaches, grounded theory has helped other disciplines open up fruitful new avenues of research.Hammersley (1990) argues that much ethnography places emphasis on the description as an important purpose of research, there are other strands that focus on a form of theoretical description. However, while Glaser and Strauss think that grounded theory is related to the wider context of qualitative analysis and method. The grounded theory approach is highly distinctive and unlike other types of qualitative methods.4. Grounded Theory in caution researchIt is no mistrust that the grounded theory can be used in a wide range of research such like nursing, business and wariness, mathematics and many types of sociology. Then, I will talk about the contribution of grounded theory focus on the business and focusing area. Firstly, the following table gives some examples of the grounded theory used in management research.Examples of grounded theory in management researchExample referencesSenior executives and ITSystems developmentManaging understanding in orgnisationsOrganisational cultureStaff perspectives on workRetailer response to manufactureslow-cost programmesRural women entrepreneursCompetitive strategy and manufacturing Process technologyBuilding co-operation in competitive industriesConsumer behaviourAdvertising and mass mediaMarketingCareer developmentElectronic data tag onLeadership in organisationsStrategic alliancesIdeal business images for womenTourist behaviourEmployment outcomesSeeley and Targett (1997)King (1996), Calloway and Ariav (1995) chocolate-brown (1994, 1995)Turner (1981, 1988)Clegg et al. (1996)Nuefeldt et al. (1996)Manning et al. (1998)Egan (1997)McKinley-Wright (1995)Schroeder and Congden (1995)Congden (1995)Browning et al. (1995)Houston and Venkatesh (1996)Goulding (1999b,1999c,2000b,2000c)Hirschman and Thompson (1997)Burchill and Fine (1997)De la Cuesta (1994)Beard (1989)Sperber-Richie et al. (1997)Crook and Kumar (1998)Parry (1998)Hunt and Ropo (1995)Lang (1996)Kimle and Damhost (1997)Riley (1995, 1996)Mullins and Roessier (1998)Source Goulding, C. (2002) Grounded Theory A matter-of-fact Guide for Management, Business and Market ResearchersFrom the table above, it is obvio us that the grounded theory can be used in many researches about business and explores a wide range of management problems. These situations merely serve to demonstrate the transcending nature of grounded theory and its potential for application in the field of management research. (Goulding, 2002, p.51) Taking the securities industrying field as an example, grounded theory has begun theoretical development in the areas of the creation of a market oriented firm, moving away from previous research that merely described what a market oriented firm looks like. (Gebhardt, Carpenter, and Sherry, 2006, citied in Mello, and Flint (2009) A clarified View of Grounded Theory and Its Application to Logistics Research p.109)5. Grounded theory in the futureWhat grounded theory will happen in the future? It is no doubt that the grounded theory will be used for doing research in the wider range of fields. Increasing researchers will choose the grounded theory as the first choice.Youhui (1996) th ink that one of the characteristics of grounded theory method is that the discover believe that it is necessary to generate theory in the research of sociology and both data analysis and theory building should be pore in qualitative research and any other research methods. Therefore, the grounded theory method is ideally suited to the areas such as the existing theoretical system which is not perfected, the phenomenon which is very difficult to in effect explain, or the new areas and phenomenon which has no systematical theory currently.About the Justifying Grounded Theory in the future, Glaser described it asThe future will bring less(prenominal) need to legitimize grounded theory hence, there will be less need to justify using it. Now, many researchers have to explain it and argue for its use. Its future portends that grounded theory will be as accepted as are other methods (e.g., surveys) and will require little or no explanation to justify its use in a research project. (Glaser , B.G. 1999, pp.845)Charmaz (2005 citied in Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S. (2005) Handbook of soft Research) believe that a major strength of the grounded theory is that they provide tools for analysing process, and these tools hold much potential for poring over social justice issues. She also believed that coding practices can help us to see our assumptions, as well as those of our research participants. Rather than raising our code to a level of objectively, we can raise questions about how and why we developed certain codes.Grounded theory has its own advantages, it is to believe that grounded theory will be developed deeper and suitable for the research, Charmaz (2005 citied in Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S. (2005) The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research 3rd ed.) write that As its best, grounded theory provides methods to explicate an empirical process in ways that prompt seeing beyond it. By cohesive closely to the leads and explicating the relevant process, the researche r can go deeper into meaning and action than given in words. Thus, the focused inquiry of grounded theory, with its progressive inductive analysis, moves the work theoretically and covers more empirical observations than other approaches. In this way, a focused grounded theory portrays a picture of the whole. (Charmaz, 2005, pp.529)ConclusionTo sum up, the grounded theory has a wider use range than other methods. For those social areas which lack current theory and some phenomenon which lack enough evidence and explanation, the grounded theory method is an effective analytical technique as an approach of data analysis. This method not alone can help researchers to use inductive methods to abstract the basic theory from the phenomenon in the research, but also it is a good way to build and develop the theoretical system gradually to achieve the combination with the current theory effectively. There are many contributions of grounded theory in many different areas such as business, e ducation, medicine and other many others. In terms of many advantages and characteristics of grounded theory, we believe that it will be use in more range of social research as an approach to data analysis and developed more to be accepted by more researchers.ReferenceAuerbach, C.F. and Silverstein, L.B. 2003 Qualitative Data an Introduction to Coding and Analysis. vernal York UniversityBaiKai and YuanBo. 2009. The analysis of impression series by Grounded theory ledger of Shaanxi Administration nurture Vol.23, No.1 pp.15-20Borgatti, S. 2009. Introduction to Grounded Theory Online Accessed Nov 2009 Available From Creswell, J. 1998. Qualitative inquiry and research design choosing among five traditions Sage Publications. capital of the United KingdomDenzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S. 2005. The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research 3rd ed. California Sage PublicationGephart, R. P. 2004. Qualitative research and the Academy of Management Journal. Academy of Management Journal, Vol.47, p p.454-462Glaser, B.G. 1992. 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