The making of a grounded theory: after death communication

Qualitative research provides understanding of phenomena with a depth and richness that cannot be generated through quantitative approaches. Qualitative methods, however, can often appear difficult, if not confusing. In this article, the authors take the reader through the grounded theory process using Devers's research, Experiencing the Deceased: Reconciling the Extraordinary (1994), a study of after death communication (ADC), to illustrate the use of this particular qualitative method. The authors hope that this article will leave the reader with a better understanding of grounded theory method and stimulate an interest in using it for studying other death-related topics.