Key Elements of Grounded Theory

Discuss about the Grounded Theory Methodology in Information Systems.

The aim of the assignment is to discuss the two qualitative methodologies in detail, which are grounded theory and ethnography study. Each of the two methodologies will be evaluated. The assignment discusses the epistemology of the methodologies, their key elements and processes used in the approach. The assignment compares and contrasts the two different approaches. Lastly the assignment discusses the topic of interest and the theoretical approach that will be used to research the topic.

Grounded theory is the qualitative approach. It is rooted in ontological critical realism. It is based on the epistemological objectivity. The theory is combined form the theory of the positivism, sociology and symbolic interactionism. The theory is grounded in actual data. Application of the grounded theory is the “mid-range theory” that is focused on the main process and   connects different phases of theory together (Birks & Mills, 2015). It means for understanding the psychological experiences of the patients suffering from obesity the grounded theory can be best applied. On collecting the data from the primary and secondary source the researcher can conclude the diverse experiences. It helps understand the relationships dynamics change experienced by the obese patients. The theories can be developed by understanding in details about the participant’s emotional experiences and other parameters. In short, the methodology of the grounded theory aids in addressing the research question while explaining the core process causing the change instead of focusing on the social groups (Charmaz, 2014). 

 The ethnography study is underlined by the ontological and epistemological presuppositions. The ethnography study can range from a realist perspective to a constructivist perspective, where the researcher and subjects socially constructs the understanding of the society and the cultural phenomena. It helps the researcher to explore the particular phenomena while describing the alternate realities. The researcher can build the substantive grounded theory while describing and interpreting the observations (Rooshenas et al., 2015).

Grounded theory is the inductive methodology as well as combined with deductive methodology. Both are combined in a way of abductive reasoning. It works in contrast to the deductive approach.  It uses the principle of thinking about research question in focused manner and conceptualising data. The rationale is to close the gap between the empirical research and theory. After the data collection the analysis and the development of the theories occur. It is the research tool that helps identify and conceptualise the latent social pattern and structures of the area of investigation while comparing with other methods. In short, the methodology of the grounded theory aids in understanding the behaviour of the research participants (Wiesche, Jurisch, Yetton & Krcmar, 2017). 

Application of Grounded Theory

 Ethnography study contains elements like field-based research where the researchers control the behaviours of the respondents. It contains the element of personalisation. The researcher follows the principle of contacting people face-to-face.   This research method includes inductive approach and follows the holistic principle. The dialogic method is used to expound the interpretations and findings by the participants. The researcher can develop the hypothesis based on the empirical data which can be again tested using the quantitative research design (Rooshenas et al., 2015).

The research process of the grounded theory involves both the data collection and analysis. The data is collected from the primary and secondary research.  It is the iterative process of raising the generative questions and identifying the theoretical concepts. The linkages are developed between the theoretical concepts. The analytical strategies used within this process are coding, memoing, and integrative diagrams and sessions.  In the coding method the researchers identify the anchors from which the key points can be gathered. This is followed by collecting the codes having similar content for grouping the data.  The researcher then makes broad groups of similar concepts for developing theory that will detail the subject of the research (Cho & Lee, 2014).

In ethnography study there are different processes of collecting the data to capture the social meanings and the ordinary activities in the natural setting.  The aim of the data collection is to minimise the bias.  It includes observation of the participants, filed notes, surveys and interviews. The interviews are recorded and transcribed for full analysis. To provide great insight into the research area the researcher may also use the secondary research and document analysis. Reflexivity is used to make the data collection transparent and the interpretation.  Image is the other form of data collection to project on an abstract idea from an individual’s perspective on past experiences. It is the primary tool of the ethnographers for data collection.  It means the data collection techniques are multifactorial (Baskerville & Myers, 2015).

 There are several similarities and differences between the grounded theory and the ethnography study. According to Ward, Gott & Hoare (2015) both the grounded theory and ethnography, the methodologies involve examining the phenomena in natural context. Both the methodologies use the holistic approach. As argued by Belgrave & Seide (2018) both the approaches uses more than one data collection process to allow for multiple interpretations.  It increases the credibility and accuracy of the research study in both cases. In both grounded and the ethnography study the researcher presents the results from the perspective of the respondents who have experienced the phenomena in the natural setting (Madden, 2017). Both the methodologies use the excerpts from the interview. The researcher than adds the stories of the participants to the report that increases the richness of the findings (Press, 2018).

Key Elements of Ethnography Study

While applying the grounded theory the researcher aims to develop a theory that can explain the psychological phenomenon behind a problem. It also helps explains how human beings use the social interactions and defines reality (Birks & Mills, 2015). On the contrary the ethnographers provide the description of the cultural phenomenon as their primary goal (Ward, Gott & Hoare, 2015). Ethnography study differs from the grounded theory as the former intends to understand the behaviour of the participants in regards to the specific cultural phenomena. It means the ethnographers have to focus only on one aspect. It is the culture and not the entire context that they focus on (Press, 2018). However, in case of grounded theory the researchers explains the core category underlying the research and then links with the behaviour of the participants in regards to the phenomena (Birks & Mills, 2015).

Najafi et al. (2016) argued that the two methodologies differ when it comes to literature review before collecting the data or at the time of discussion of findings. In case of grounded theory the investigators do not consult the literature to avoid any influence prior to field work.  It is known that the grounded theorists perform intense literature review but that is not pertaining to the area of investigation. On the other hand the ethnographers do consult the conceptual literature before data collection.  It is used to present the idea on how to proceed further.

According to Bamkin, Maynard & Goulding (2016) both the methodologies differ in respect to the sample selection. In grounded theory “theoretical sampling technique” is used for theory building.  The emergence of theory is facilitated by the collections of theories, data collection, coding and analysing. On the other hand the aim of the ethnographers is not to generate theories.  They only aim to explain the meaning of the cultural phenomena. Therefore, ethnographers focus more on the particular cultural aspects. In this methodology the researcher applies the purpose sampling. In ethnography the researcher collects data from the contrasting and similar cases to perceive the single case finding (Baskerville & Myers, 2015).  Bamkin, Maynard & Goulding (2016) explained that grounded theorists discusses the conceptual analysis in the final report. They also explain the substantive theory that was built from the collected data. On the other hand the ethnographers use the descriptive approaches. It helps in narrating and describing the actions of the participants. It can be concluded that both the research methodologies is selected based on the similarities and differences (Rooshenas et al., 2015).

Comparison of Grounded Theory and Ethnography Study

The main advantage of the grounded theory is the process of generating the theory. This theory is advantageous when there is insufficient literature pertaining to the area of interest.  This approach is less time consuming and is more efficient due to document analysis. Also grounded theory is advantageous as it is less intrusive, cost effective, and more stable and have precise details. The drawbacks of the grounded theory include insufficient details, biased selectivity and   low retrievability (Padgett, 2016). 

The advantages of the ethnographic studies are its higher validity, and building of rapport with the respondents.  The strength of the ethnography is to investigate the complex issue relate to society and culture, interactions and relationships. It is difficult for the quantitative methods.  Ethnographies probe the deep attributes of the topic.  On the other hand it is considered unreliable, and not sufficient enough for representation. It is difficult to identify the patterns and trends, it is subjective, which is considered disadvantage.  The main limitations of the ethnography are the expensive nature and it is protracted.  It is difficult to replicate the study.  There are chances that the ethnographers may bring their personal bias and prejudice in the study (Najafi et al., 2016).  

For the study based on the grounded theory, “How and why’’ the dominant forms of queries are and sometimes “what” questions are also asked.  For instance, open ended questions may be asked such as “How do you cope up with weight gain and obesity during activities of daily living?” or “what kind of services did occupational therapist give?”  In case of ethnographic study, the research question is mainly focused on the culture. Therefore, the question may be, “How do Aboriginals interact with the members outside the Aboriginal community?”, “could I watch you perform cultural practices?”

My area of interest is to identify the challenges in caring mechanism of the patients with obesity. Obesity is the public heath issue all over the world. There is increasing mortality and morbidity due to child obesity all over the world. According to World Health Organisation or WHO, there is excess utilisation of health care resources due to increasing obesity patients (Swinburn & Vandevijvere, 2016). According to WHO, in 2016, 39% of the people above 18 years were overweight,   and 13% were obese (Swinburn & Vandevijvere, 2016).  These patients pose significant challenges to health care delivery. I am interested in making my career in public health. Therefore, I would like to research on obesity as it is the burning issue of the society.

Advantages of Grounded Theory and Ethnography Study

To research on this topic, I would us the qualitative method ethnography study to understand the challenges in caring for morbidly obese patients. I would like to explore the attitude of the health practioners including physicians and the nurses while caring for patients who are critically ill with obesity.

To achieve my research aim I would adopt ethnographic approach where the practioners will be observed for understanding their care practices.  I will use the social constructivist paradigm as this one will help acknowledge the social reality constructed between individuals and by them (Press, 2018). I will conduct interview of practioners for data collection. I will conduct the research in the span of four months of time. I would perform a constant comparison for qualitative analysis. I would like to conduct the research on the intensive care unit.

The rationale for choosing the ethnography study is the advantages that have been discussed above. This methodology will help me identify any significant challenges faced by the nurses and doctors such as cross-cultural skills or linguistic barriers. It will help make recommendations that can resolve the issue. Observation and interview method of data collection, will together help enhance the validity of the study. It will help build rapport with the nurses and doctors (Madden, 2017).  This methodology will help understand the experiences of doctors and nurses and decipher the meaning.  It will help develop knowledge of the culture of the care given in intensive care unit of the hospital.  Thus, the approach is justified to investigate the complex health issue and problems faced due to interactions and relationships between care providers and obese patients.

References

Bamkin, M., Maynard, S., & Goulding, A. (2016). Grounded theory and ethnography combined: A methodology to study children’s interactions on children’s mobile libraries. Journal of Documentation, 72(2), 214-231.

Baskerville, R. L., & Myers, M. D. (2015). Design ethnography in information systems. Information Systems Journal, 25(1), 23-46.

Belgrave, L. L., & Seide, K. (2018). Grounded Theory Methodology: Principles and Practices. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2779-6_84-1

Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2015). Grounded theory: A practical guide. Sage. Retrieved from: https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=YsGICwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=study+design+grounded+theory&ots=-N0lqSHgRm&sig=zMvjgW0QpVLAtfrtgAXMCdA5cwM#v=onepage&q=study%20design%20grounded%20theory&f=false

Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory. Sage. Retrieved from: https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=v_GGAwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=study+design+grounded+theory&ots=YWUrN8HAi2&sig=Ivyac8HOAzQ5Bi7VuNQ4CfbtCzo#v=onepage&q=study%20design%20grounded%20theory&f=false

Cho, J. Y., & Lee, E. H. (2014). Reducing confusion about grounded theory and qualitative content analysis: Similarities and differences. The qualitative report, 19(32), 1-20.

Madden, R. (2017). Being ethnographic: A guide to the theory and practice of ethnography. Sage.

Najafi, T. F., Roudsari, R. L., Ebrahimipour, H., & Bahri, N. (2016). Observation in Grounded Theory and Ethnography: What are the Differences?. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 18(11).

Padgett, D. K. (2016). Qualitative methods in social work research (Vol. 36). Sage Publications. Retrieved from: https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=M32zDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Observation+in+Grounded+Theory+and+Ethnography:+What+are+the+Differences%3F&ots=OdvZ6ZdD4m&sig=N3wtB3deimCky7fo_hf_2r8BjS8#v=onepage&q=Observation%20in%20Grounded%20Theory%20and%20Ethnography%3A%20What%20are%20the%20Differences%3F&f=false

Press, A. L. (2018). Toward a qualitative methodology of audience study: Using ethnography to study the popular culture audience. In The audience and its landscape (pp. 113-130). Routledge.

Rooshenas, L., Owen-Smith, A., Hollingworth, W., Badrinath, P., Beynon, C., & Donovan, J. L. (2015). “I won’t call it rationing…”: An ethnographic study of healthcare disinvestment in theory and practice. Social Science & Medicine, 128, 273-281.

Swinburn, B., & Vandevijvere, S. (2016). WHO report on ending childhood obesity echoes earlier recommendations. Public health nutrition, 19(1), 1-2.

Ward, K., Gott, M., & Hoare, K. (2015). Participants’ views of telephone interviews within a grounded theory study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 71(12), 2775-2785.

Wiesche, M., Jurisch, M. C., Yetton, P. W., & Krcmar, H. (2017). Grounded theory methodology in information systems research. MIS Quarterly, 41(3), 685-701.