Grounded Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how grounded theory is utilized in performing a qualitative research and how it recognizes and allows the subjectivity of its participants, but attempts to still be objective and avoids researcher and participant biases. The paper also looks at how there are three basic elements of grounded theory: concepts, categories, and propositions. In addition, the paper looks at the advantages and disadvantages of the theory as well as its relevance to nursing research.

Outline:
Description of Grounded Theory
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Grounded Theory
Relevance of Grounded Theory to Nursing Research

From the Paper:

"There are three basic elements of grounded theory: concepts, categories, and propositions (Pandit, 1996). A theoretical concept is not the data itself, but it unifies these small data into one phenomenon. Small data are recognized as codes. A concept determines if a certain data is encountered is relevant to the subject being studied. A concept is a little bit more abstract than data collected. Concrete ideas such as "taking pain relievers" or "sleeping" may be considered as activities to "removing pain". The second element of grounded theory is the use of categories. Grounded theory makes use of more abstract labels, or categories, to organize data. As more seemingly random concepts arise, a relationship among them can be found. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Allan, G. (2003). "A critique of using grounded theory as a research method." Electric Journal of Business Research Methods, 2(1): 1-10.
• Borgatti, S. Introduction to grounded theory. [Online.] Retrieved 17 July 2008 from the Web site: http://www.analytictech.com/mb870/introtoGT.htm
• Byrne, M. (2001). "Grounded theory as a qualitative research methodology - brief article." AORN Journal,73(6): 1155-1156.
• Davidson, A. L. (2002). Grounded theory. [Online.] Retrieved 17 July 2008 from the Web site: http://www.essortment.com/all/groundedtheory_rmnf.htm
• Driessnack, M., Sousa, V. D., and Mendes, I. A. C. (2007). "An overview of research designs relevant to nursing: part 2 Qualitative research designs." Rev Latino-am Enfermagem, 15(4): 684-688.

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• Comparison Essay # 59978 : "Ethnography and Grounded-Theory Research"

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