Grounded Theory Summer School
Exploring grounded theory
A highly practical event designed to de-mystify the processes and terminology of grounded theory
Thursday June 30 and Friday July 1st, 2022.
Together we will explore the grounded theory methods of the main authors Glaser & Strauss (1967), Glaser (1978, 2017), Strauss (1987), Corbin & Strauss (2015) and Charmaz (2014) and consider which is most likely to suit your research aims.
We will compare the processes of Classic and Constructivist grounded theories and working together we will practice the techniques of both. As we work through each stage of developing a grounded theory we will demystify both the language and the analytic process.
At the end of the summer school, we intend that you should:
- understand why you have chosen one variety of grounded theory and rejected another
- be confident that the method that you have chosen will deliver the research product that you need
- have experienced both interviewing and being interviewed to help you understand how a grounded theory interview works
- understand the role of theoretical sampling and have practiced collecting data
- have practiced constant comparison as you engaged in open coding, selective coding, initial coding and focused coding
- practiced the art of memoing
- understand the role of theoretical codes.
The two days will be busy and it will take a while for the ideas to percolate. One-to-one sessions will therefore be offered for the following week so that you can ask follow up questions.
You can email your queries to helen@groundedtheoryonline.com or if you would like to discuss the summer school please also email me to set up a short Zoom/telephone call.
To register, please email me with the answers to the following questions:
- What is your interest in grounded theory?
- What are your current research ideas/plans?
- What would you like to gain from attending the summer school?
Please make sure that we have confirmed your place at the summer school before booking non-refundable flights or accommodation.
The fees will be £325/€325 for PhD/Masters students and £375/€360 for faculty, post-doctorates and professional researchers to include tea/coffee all day and a light (sandwiches and fruit) lunch.
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).
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We will only link to books that we believe are useful to grounded theorists!