Module: Research Methods in Psychology
Lecture 5: 3RES (Qualitative) Session 3 Grounded Theory
Today’s learning outcomes
Understand the basic philosophy and procedures of GT research
Consider the possible outputs developed by GT analysis
What sort of skills do you think a researcher needs to have in order to successfully
complete a grounded theory research?
Objectivity – to not be swayed by any preconceptions
Being simple and precise when coding. Avoid overthinking it especially at the
early stages.
Being patient and persistent
Being open and curious about people – the whole purpose is to try and
explain why people behave the way they do.
Empathy – a characteristic and a skill. An important skill to have for the data
collection and transcription phase. When conducting your interview with the
participant, it should be done in a reflexive and responsive manner.
Ability to look beyond explicit meanings to the implicit (e.g. what is really going
on here?).
- Look beyond what is stated in the data beyond face value
- Consider the tone in which the statement has been made
- Consider the body language that has been displayed at the time
- Note that people can say one thing but mean something else – this
can be an obstacle when you are interpreting the meaning.
Focus on process and subjectivity – each participant will have their own
subjectivity.
The ability to listen, observe, and interpret in the data collection and coding
phase.
- Observe the actions and behaviour of your participants
- Listen more passively
Multitasking and toleration of large datasets
- You will be doing stage 1, 2 and 3 all at the same time
- Plan and prepare for the interviews so that you know what topics
you will cover
- Know that different people respond in different ways
The downsides of grounded theory approach
Researcher bias
Unexpected issues can crop up e.g. transcription of interview recordings
taken from prisons must be done inside the prison.
Lecture 5: 3RES (Qualitative) Session 3 Grounded Theory
Today’s learning outcomes
Understand the basic philosophy and procedures of GT research
Consider the possible outputs developed by GT analysis
What sort of skills do you think a researcher needs to have in order to successfully
complete a grounded theory research?
Objectivity – to not be swayed by any preconceptions
Being simple and precise when coding. Avoid overthinking it especially at the
early stages.
Being patient and persistent
Being open and curious about people – the whole purpose is to try and
explain why people behave the way they do.
Empathy – a characteristic and a skill. An important skill to have for the data
collection and transcription phase. When conducting your interview with the
participant, it should be done in a reflexive and responsive manner.
Ability to look beyond explicit meanings to the implicit (e.g. what is really going
on here?).
- Look beyond what is stated in the data beyond face value
- Consider the tone in which the statement has been made
- Consider the body language that has been displayed at the time
- Note that people can say one thing but mean something else – this
can be an obstacle when you are interpreting the meaning.
Focus on process and subjectivity – each participant will have their own
subjectivity.
The ability to listen, observe, and interpret in the data collection and coding
phase.
- Observe the actions and behaviour of your participants
- Listen more passively
Multitasking and toleration of large datasets
- You will be doing stage 1, 2 and 3 all at the same time
- Plan and prepare for the interviews so that you know what topics
you will cover
- Know that different people respond in different ways
The downsides of grounded theory approach
Researcher bias
Unexpected issues can crop up e.g. transcription of interview recordings
taken from prisons must be done inside the prison.
