Generating or developing grounded theory: methods to understand health and illness.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Qualitative Research Methodology

Background:

• Grounded theory, developed by Glaser and Strauss in the 1960s, explains social phenomena at a conceptual level.
• Reinterpretations by Strauss and Corbin have led to different schools of thought, influenced by epistemological and ontological perspectives.
• This methodology offers deeper understanding compared to simple description of social phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of grounded theory methodology.
• To enhance researchers' understanding and quality of research output.
• To clarify theoretical choices required when adopting this methodology.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical sampling to select participants contributing most to understanding.
• Constant comparison of data to identify patterns across different contexts.
• Data analysis involves categorizing, defining properties, and identifying dimensions to develop a core category.

Main Results:

• Conceptual saturation is reached when no new concepts emerge from the data.
• A core category is developed, theoretically explaining the linkage of all other categories.
• The core category achieves theoretical abstraction, logically capturing data variation.

Conclusions:

• Effective theory development in grounded theory requires a deep understanding of the methodology, not just procedural application.
• This article serves as a foundational guide for researchers seeking to improve their grounded theory research.
• Clear theoretical choices at the outset are crucial for successful application of grounded theory.