Grounded theory review conversation
A focused conversation about your grounded theory.
Send me a chapter, paper, proposal or other substantial piece of grounded theory writing. I will read it in advance, then we meet on Zoom to work through the methodological and conceptual questions it raises.
What can you send?
Thesis or dissertation
A chapter or substantial section
Useful when you want an experienced grounded theorist to look at how the methodology, analysis and theory are being represented in your writing.
Paper or manuscript
Before you submit
A chance to consider whether the grounded theory is conceptually clear, methodologically coherent and communicated as effectively as it could be.
Proposal or emerging theory
While the study is still developing
You may want to discuss a proposal, conceptual summary, diagram or draft account before the final writing is complete.
How the review conversation works
1
Send your material
Send up to 10,000 words in advance, together with anything you particularly want me to bear in mind.
2
I read and think
I read for methodological and conceptual development rather than line-by-line language editing.
3
We talk it through
We meet for 75 minutes on Zoom to explore issues identified, your questions and what may be useful to work on next.
4
A short follow-up
Afterwards I send a brief note summarising the main points from our conversation and the next steps that seem most useful.
What am I looking for?
This is a methodological and conceptual reading rather than copy-editing or proof-reading. I look at how the grounded theory has been carried out, how the analysis has developed, and how clearly the emerging or final theory is communicated in the writing.
I may comment on:
- how well the study design and methods align with the grounded theory approach being claimed
- whether the analysis is moving beyond description towards conceptualisation
- how constant comparison, memoing and theoretical sampling have contributed to the analysis
- the development and integration of categories and the core category
- how clearly the theory is brought together and presented as an explanatory whole
Why a conversation rather than detailed written feedback?
Grounded theory writing often contains chains of consequences. A methodological or conceptual issue early in a chapter can explain several difficulties later in the text. Repeating the same comment throughout the document is not always the most useful way to help.
I prefer to trace the issue back with you, explore what is happening and consider what it means for the study. The conversation also gives you the opportunity to explain what you were trying to do, ask questions and test possible ways forward.
The main output is a focused methodological conversation, supported by a short written summary afterwards.
What is included?
- advance reading of up to 10,000 words
- a 75-minute Zoom review conversation
- a brief follow-up note summarising the main points discussed and useful next steps
If you have a longer document, contact me first. I am happy to look at longer material where it makes sense, but we will agree the scope and fee before I begin.
Review conversation
£250
Up to 10,000 words + 75-minute Zoom discussion + brief follow-up note.
Looking for a grounded theory examiner?
A number of grounded theory examiners from different disciplines have given me permission to share their details with doctoral candidates seeking a methodological examiner. If that is what you need, contact me and tell me a little about the study and discipline.
Would it help to talk through your writing?
Tell me what you are preparing and where you are in the study. I can tell you whether a Review Conversation is likely to be useful and what I would need to see.