Evaluating a grounded theory study
See: Research consultancy: second tab ‘Evaluation and grounded theory’ for information about using grounded theory as method in evaluation projects.
If I were evaluating a research study from a Grounded Theory perspective, I would want to know about the process which had been followed and seek to understand the shape of the developing theory.
I would want to know:
- What is the substantive area of interest?
- What comprise the data sources?
- Was data collected in a manner that was consistent with Grounded Theory. If it wasn’t, how was data collected … what impact will that have had?
- Was constant comparison conducted?
- Is there evidence of the inter-changeability of indicators?
- Was theoretical sampling conducted?
- Are the codes, concepts or descriptive codes?
- What is the main concern?
- What is the core category? And what are the related categories?
- What do people do? What varies what people do?
- Is there theoretical completeness and conceptual integration, what theoretical codes structure the theory?
- Has the literature been sampled and integrated into the theory?
Which GT books have been read?
The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research (USA link
and UK link)
. We suggest you read this book in a relaxed way for an introduction to the ideas underpinning grounded theory. Bear in mind that the way that Glaser uses some of the terms changes over the next 50 years as he develops his explication of the method. I notice there is now also a Kindle version
.
Next we recommend that you read Doing Grounded Theory: Issues & Discussion (USA link
and UK link)
more intentionally. Relate what you read to your study and read and re-read relevant chapters as you progress your study. Keep it close: it has the potential to become your 'constant companion' for the duration!
Once you have started coding try Theoretical Sensitivity: Advances in the Methodology of Grounded Theory (USA link
and UK link)
. This book is really useful and whilst written before 'Doing GT', we suggest that it is best read after reading 'Doing GT', when you are more familiar with the method and more comfortable with the nomenclature (not jargon : )
Theoretical codes bring light and shape to your theory. They are introduced in 'Theoretical Sensitivity' but this book The Grounded Theory Perspective III: Theoretical Coding (USA link
and UK link)
is the key to unlocking your understanding of how to recognise the theoretical code(s) that best organise your substantive codes. (Be reassured that it will all make sense by the time you've finished your study; GT is an experiential method - you have to do it, to understand it! And of course, we are here to help along the way).
Please note that in order to help fund this site, we have become a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
We will only link to books that we believe are useful to grounded theorists!
and UK link). We suggest you read this book in a relaxed way for an introduction to the ideas underpinning grounded theory. Bear in mind that the way that Glaser uses some of the terms changes over the next 50 years as he develops his explication of the method. I notice there is now also a Kindle version
.Next we recommend that you read Doing Grounded Theory: Issues & Discussion (USA link
and UK link)
more intentionally. Relate what you read to your study and read and re-read relevant chapters as you progress your study. Keep it close: it has the potential to become your 'constant companion' for the duration!Once you have started coding try Theoretical Sensitivity: Advances in the Methodology of Grounded Theory (USA link
and UK link)
. This book is really useful and whilst written before 'Doing GT', we suggest that it is best read after reading 'Doing GT', when you are more familiar with the method and more comfortable with the nomenclature (not jargon : )Theoretical codes bring light and shape to your theory. They are introduced in 'Theoretical Sensitivity' but this book The Grounded Theory Perspective III: Theoretical Coding (USA link
and UK link)
is the key to unlocking your understanding of how to recognise the theoretical code(s) that best organise your substantive codes. (Be reassured that it will all make sense by the time you've finished your study; GT is an experiential method - you have to do it, to understand it! And of course, we are here to help along the way).
Please note that in order to help fund this site, we have become a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
We will only link to books that we believe are useful to grounded theorists!