Constructivist Grounded Theory: A Qualitative Research Design

Abstract

The chapter on the research methodology is an integral part of any research project for it guides the researcher on how to collect and analyze the data in the relevant area of research. To be more specific, it comprises data collection and data analysis methods. In this context, the Grounded Theory (GT) in general and the Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) in particular is one of the several research methodologies that offer its methods of data collection and data analysis. The GT in general and the CGT in particular is a qualitative research methodology that is used in the studies of social sciences and other related subjects. Since several literature review papers have been published on the topic of understudy, there is still a need to shed light on the topic in detail. Therefore, this paper aims to provide step-by-step methods of data collection and data analysis of the CGT. As the CGT is the modified version of the GT, in this paper we have also shed light on the origin and the development of the CGT. Since the CGT was introduced by Charmaz, we have described her proposed methods of data collection and data analysis step-by-step. Sampling, memo writing, coding (initial, in-vivo, axial, and focused), and theoretical integration are illustrated in detail in this paper. This paper will be very insightful for those novice researchers who intend to conduct studies in the field of social sciences including education, nursing, etc. by choosing the constructivist grounded theory as their research methodology.