Adopting a constructivist approach to grounded theory: Implications for research design

Abstract

Grounded theory is a popular research methodology that is evolving to account for a range of ontological and epistemological underpinnings. Constructivist grounded theory has its foundations in relativism and an appreciation of the multiple truths and realities of subjectivism. Undertaking a constructivist enquiry requires the adoption of a position of mutuality between researcher and participant in the research process, which necessitates a rethinking of the grounded theorist's traditional role of objective observer. Key issues for constructivist grounded theorists to consider in designing their research studies are discussed in relation to developing a partnership with participants that enables a mutual construction of meaning during interviews and a meaningful reconstruction of their stories into a grounded theory model.

Grounding osteopathic research – Introducing grounded theory

“…The interpretation of not entering the field with a priori knowledge is sometimes assumed to mean e Mills et al, 49 use the notion of 'methodological spiral' to refer to the different epistemological and ontological positions that grounded theory researchers have taken through the passage of time. The spiral would begin with early objectivist grounded theory as posited by Glaser and Strauss 33 and Glaser, 44 and spiral down towards more recent constructionist iterations of grounded theory.…”

“…33,44,45 Alternatively, a researcher leaning towards an interpretive view may consider that theory is constructed though an active process of interpretation of data and that the findings represent one of a number of possible theories (or truths) to understand the area under study. In this case, a constructivist form of grounded theory 39,49,50 may be more congruent with the views of the researcher. However, many authors now agree that grounded theory may be used with a range of underpinning epistemologies ranging from positivism to interpretivism.…”

“…Research paradigm Role of the researcher Theory Constructivist grounded theory 32,34,38,39,42,49,52,55 Interpretive/constructionist. Interactive, participatory and reflexive.…”

Intergroup Conflict Management Strategies From a Nobel Peace Laureate: The Case of José Ramos-Horta

“…The intention was to have general orienting questions while maintaining a flexible approach to the interview. Such an approach reflects a constructivist stance, wherein an individual is invited to construct (and re-construct) his/her individual experiences (Charmaz, 2006;Lincoln & Guba, 2000;Mills, Bonner, & Francis, 2006). The actual probe asked at the beginning of the interview was: "I would like to hear from you about your experience in making peaceful connections around the world".…”

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“…The schematic demonstrates how data sets can be cross-analysed with other constructed data-sets within the research to develop a rich-picture of the investigated phenomena. As a means of data analysis, this not unlike the "constant comparison" (Mills, Bonner, & Francis, 2006a, 2006b techniques used in GT methodology (Glaser & Strauss, 1967;Strauss & Corbin, 1994) although in the CCM some contextual constructs are able to exist early enough in the research process to inform data-collection design, a strategy typically associated with quantitative, theory-testing research.…”