Andrew Builder
Thematic analysis, Grounded theory and Observational theory
Hey all These titles in the research methodology are blurry for me. I cannot understand when to use what. It would be really helpful if someone could guide me for the same. Thank you
Continue reading Thematic analysis, Grounded theory and Observational theory
Danielle Veronneau 6:29 am on April 22, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
1. (Canada, Quebec, Montreal) Danielle25: I think you need a book on qualitative research. There are lots of them but my personal favourite is:
http://www.amazon.com/Qualitative-Inquiry-Research-Design-Traditions/dp/0761901442/ref
Alex Kruger 12:46 pm on April 22, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
For thematic analysis, I find this book really good:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Transforming-Qualitative-Information-Thematic-Development/dp/0761909613
For others, ever tried searching at Google Scholar? It I’ll give you all the essential information.
Danielle Veronneau 10:09 am on May 6, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I found these books, referred by my friend, regarding research methodology. You can check them out, they might be available online or libraries.
1. Cresswell, J. W. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions
2. Richard E. Boyatzis. Transforming Qualitative Information: Thematic Analysis and Code Development
You can also check these online resources:
http://www.resourcesvalley.com/the-basics-of-research-methodology/
http://www.resourcesvalley.com/what-is-a-methodology/
Eden Brockman 4:44 am on May 25, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thematic Analysis is the most common form of analysis in qualitative research. It emphasizes on pinpointing, examining, and recording patterns (or “themes”) within data.
Grounded Theory is an inductive methodology. Although many call Grounded Theory a qualitative method, it is not. It is a general method. It is the systematic generation of theory from systematic research.
Observational Theory on the other hand, is based on observational learning which occurs through observing the behaviour of others. It is a form of social learning which takes various forms, based on various processes.
So, decide on the basis of your research questions, that which methodology will suit best in getting the answers. Take help from your friends or professor, don’t beat yourself much over this. Good Luck!
Andrew Builder 6:26 am on May 26, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank you everyone I am finally able to differentiate between all the three theories and I am grateful to each one of you. But I have confusion, whether I can use both grounded and observational theory in my research. My topic is based on Ethnography. Kindly give me some suggestions.
Eden Brockman 11:51 am on June 3, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Andrew, I think you are still confused about choosing the preferred theory for your research. It’s better if you can first differentiate between Grounded and observational theory.
You will find some authors, such as Creswell, who treat case studies and grounded theory as two separate things, but I personally think of case studies as a way to frame your research questions and grounded theory as a general strategy for conducting qualitative research. So, in my view they are indeed compatible. In particular, you could use grounded theory as the basis for how you collect and analyze the data from your case study.
As for triangulation, that generally involves comparing two different sources of data, with the analogy that if they agree then this is like two separate lines meeting at the point of a triangle. For example, you could triangulate the results from one case study with another, or the results from a qualitative study with those from a quantitative study. So, unless you plan to compare different sets of results, it does not make sense in your case.
Andrew Builder 11:51 am on June 22, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
That still doesn’t clear my doubt. The difference between grounded and observational theory is okay, I get it. But can I use them both in my study?
Eden Brockman 10:37 am on June 28, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Yea, I guess you can. Not an expert but what harm can it do? There are a lot of studies that use more than one approach. It might even authenticate your study.
Mats Voesenek 5:41 am on July 1, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
But why would you want to use two methods of qualitative approach? I am sorry, but it makes little sense to me. Both the methods might generate the same results. If you want to choose more than one method, then I’d like to suggest that you conduct a mixed-method study with both qualitative and quantitative approach. That will give more value as per me.