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Classic Grounded Theory
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Classic Grounded Theory
Applications With Qualitative and Quantitative Data



March 2016 | 256 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Classic Grounded Theory: Applications With Qualitative and Quantitative Data provides practical “how to” guidance for doing grounded theory (GT) using the classic approach articulated by Barney Glaser. The authors emphasize the philosophical flexibility of classic GT as a “full package” approach that can be applied to any study and any type of data where the goal is to discover and generate a conceptually integrated theory. Drawing on the experiences of novice researchers who have participated in GT troubleshooting seminars, the book provides step-by-step guidance on undertaking a research study that stays true to the classic GT practice paradigm.   

 
An Overview of Classic Grounded Theory
 
1. Situating Grounded Theory on the Research Landscape
The Early Development of Grounded Theory

 
Are Glaserian and Straussian GT Reconcilable?

 
The Nature and Power of Classic GT

 
Emergence of the Classic GT Paradigm

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
2. Discovering New Theory as the End Purpose of Classic Grounded Theory
What Is a Theory?

 
The Drive From Substantive to Formal GT

 
Theorizing in Rupture With Existing Literature

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
3. Foundational Pillars of Classic Grounded Theory
Emergence

 
Constant Comparative Analysis

 
Theoretical Sampling

 
Developing Your Stance as a Grounded Theorist

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
4. Clarifying Common Sources of Confusion in Grounded Theory
Emergence Versus Preconception

 
Description Versus Conceptualization

 
Substantive Versus Theoretical Coding

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
Classic Grounded Theory in Practice
 
5. Finding Your Data
Why "All Is Data"

 
Overlooked Sources of Available Data

 
Collecting Your Own Data

 
Data Collection and Analysis as an Iterative Process

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
6. Analyzing Your Data
Conceptual Analysis as Distinct From Descriptive Analysis

 
Using Constant Comparative Analysis

 
Types and Stages of Coding in Grounded Theory

 
Core Category Emergence

 
The Key Role of Analytic Memoing in GT Analysis

 
The Iterative Nature of Data Analysis in Grounded Theory

 
To Software or Not to Software

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
7. Shaping the Theory
Theoretical Sampling

 
Theoretical Saturation

 
Theoretical Coding

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
Writing and Evaluating Classic Grounded Theory
 
8. Writing as an Important Part of Doing Classic GT
The Process Leading to the Readiness to Write Moment

 
Approaching the Literature in a GT Study

 
Writing GT With Mixed Quantitative and Qualitative Data

 
The First Draft

 
Writing Blocks

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
9. Writing Classic GT for Publication
Doing Versus Writing

 
Writing Classic GT Using Mixed Data

 
Writing Conventions

 
Some Guidelines for Publishing Classic GT in Top Tier Research

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
10. Evaluating Classic Grounded Theory
The Consequences of the Paradigm War

 
Criteria for Evaluating Grounded Theory

 
In Summary

 
Test Your Knowledge

 
Further Reading

 
 
Conclusion
 
Appendix A: Doing Qualitative Research Does Not Mean You Are Doing Classic GT
 
Appendix B: Classic GT Using Qualitative Data
 
Appendix C: Doing Classic GT Using Mixed Qualitative and Quantitative Data
 
Appendix D: Some Examples of Theoretical Coding Using Mixed Qualitative and Quantitative Data
 
Appendix E: Examples of Diagrams as Precursors of a Theory

Supplements

Instructor Teaching Site

Password-protected Instructor Resources include editable, chapter-specific Microsoft® PowerPoint® slides to offer you complete flexibility in easily creating a multimedia presentation for your course. 

Classic Grounded Theory does a superlative job of clarifying and extending the works of Barney Glaser and the classical school of grounded theory in a way useful to both scholars and practitioners interested in applying this approach to the study of social behavior.

Wayne A. Babchuk
University of Nebraska - Lincoln

This is the classic grounded theory coach novice researchers have wanted. The authors anticipate the issues that stump people new to classic GT and answer frequently asked questions throughout the chapter. A clear, helpful resource.

Vivian B. Martin
Central Connecticut State University

This book is an excellent resource for researchers who want to situate their knowledge of GT within historical perspectives and tensions that contributed to the development of GT.

Karthigeyan Subramaniam
University of North Texas

A nice overview and presentation about what classic grounded theory (GT) is. The book explains well the emergence of classic GT and the authors share their own experience in conducting GT. Beginners as well as advanced researchers will find some useful insights for conducting their own research. Classic Grounded Theory is a source of inspiration for encouraging the emergence of grounded theories.

Sebastien Point
EM Strasbourg Business School

This books is a lucid and pedagogical walk through of the basic tenets of classic grounded theory. It is an excellent guide for researchers and students (at least master level) who wish to understand how to conduct a GT-study, or making the most of this type of methodology. The authors are very experienced and provide relevant examples. One of the best recent book on classic GT!

Dr Dina Koutsikouri
Communications , Division of Informatics
September 19, 2016

This books is a lucid book on the basic tenets of classic grounded theory. It clarifies how it differers from qualitative research methods and analysis. It is an excellent guide for researchers and students who wish to understand how to conduct a GT-study, especially how to code the data. All is explained! The authors are very experienced and provide relevant examples. A must if you teach grounded theory to your students.

Dr Dina Koutsikouri
Communications , Division of Informatics
July 27, 2016
Key features

KEY FEATURES:

  • Specific published examples that mix qualitative and quantitative data, methods, and techniques help readers troubleshoot challenges with different types of data as they develop their own GT expertise.
  • Test Your Knowledge questions at the end of each chapter allow readers to check their understanding of the chapter’s main elements.
  • Suggestions for further reading make it easy for readers to explore additional literature related to chapter topics.
  • Valuable appendices offer examples of the differences between qualitative description and conceptualization, conceptual elaboration of qualitative data, and mixed methods GT.
  • A comprehensive glossary of key terms, extracts from three studies that used classic GT approaches, examples of coding, and examples of diagrams in the back of the book serve as helpful resources to promote reader comprehension.

For instructors

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