The constant comparative method (CCM) together with theoretical sampling constitutethe core of qualitative analysis in the grounded theory approach and in other types ofqualitative research. Since the application of the method remains rather unclear, researchers do not know how to `go about' the CCM in their research practice. This study contributes to a purposeful approach of the CCM in order to systematize the analysis process and to increase the traceability and verification of the analyses. The step by step approach is derived from and illustrated with an empirical study into the experience of multiple sclerosis (MS) by patients and their spousal care providers. In this study five different steps were distinguished on the basis of four criteria: (1) the data involved and the overall analysis activities, (2) the aim, (3) the results and (4) the questions asked. It is concluded that systematization of qualitative analysis results from the researcher using a sound plan for conducting CCM regarding these four aspects.

A purposeful approach to the constant comparative method in the analysis of qualitative interviews

Introduction PART ONE: SITUATING THE DISCOVERY OF GROUNDED THEORY Situating the Discovery of Grounded Theory within the Tradition of Qualitative Methods Situating Grounded Theory within Its Philosophical, Sociological and Personal Contexts PART TWO: THE GROUNDED THEORY RESEARCH APPROACH Distinguishing Characteristics of Grounded Theories Grounded Theory's Research Operations Evolution of Grounded Theory's Research Operations PART THREE: THE GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH IN MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION STUDIES Grounded Theory in Studies of Management and Organization Writing Grounded Theory

Grounded Theory in Management Research

Developing a grounded theory approach: a comparison of Glaser and Strauss

D uring its 40-year history, grounded theory has served as a major method for conducting emergent qualitative research. What is an emergent method? I start with a working definition of an emergent method as inductive, indeterminate, and open-ended. An emergent method begins with the empirical world and builds an inductive understanding of it as events unfold and knowledge accrues. Social scientists who use emergent methods can study research problems that arise in the empirical world and can pursue unanticipated directions of inquiry in this world. Emergent methods are particularly well suited for studying uncharted, contingent, or dynamic phenomena. These methods also allow for new properties of the studied phenomenon to appear that, in turn, shape new conditions and consequences to be studied. By adopting emergent methods, researchers can account for processes discovered in the empirical world and direct their methodological strategies accordingly. How does grounded theory fit the definition of an emergent method? In which ways does the grounded theory method advance the development of emergent methods? Grounded theory is predicated on an emergent logic. This method starts with a systematic, inductive approach to collecting and analyzing data to develop theoretical analyses. The method also includes checking emergent categories that emerge from successive levels of analysis through hypothetical and deductive reasoning. Grounded theory offers systematic analytic strategies that combine explicitness and flexibility. Fundamental tenets of the grounded theory method include: (1) minimizing preconceived ideas about the research problem and the data, (2) using simultaneous data collection and analysis to inform each other, (3) remaining open to varied explanations and/ or understandings of the data, and (4) focusing data analysis to construct middle-range theories. Rather than viewing only the product of inquiry—the completed grounded the-

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Grounded theory as an emergent method.

This paper explores the differences and similarities that may exist in respect of using the interview method in phenomenological and grounded theory methodologies. Baker et al. set out to differentiate between method in grounded theory and phenomenology and concluded that it was essential to ensure that the method matches the research question being asked. However, the paper, whilst clear in intent to differentiate between the methodologies of phenomenology and grounded theory, does little to help the researcher in the differences that may exist in carrying out such research using the same method, that is, interviewing. Interviewing has become synonymous with qualitative research and may become the accepted method of data collection irrespective of methodology. We postulate that the interview as a method of data collection may be inconsistent with the underlying principles of the methodology (phenomenology or grounded theory). Should this be the case then the interview as a means of collecting data may be viewed as generic and lack a clear connection to the methodological framework. Such a position could be consistent with a critique of qualitative nursing research on the grounds of rigour.

Interviewing in phenomenology and grounded theory: is there a difference?

From practice to grounded theory : qualitative research in nursing

The process dimension in nursing is far more complex than currently recognized. Lack of knowledge about process in nursing has consequences for professional development and nursing theory. A method for generating theory from systematic observation, description, identification and analysis of nursing practice is presented.

Surfacing nursing process: a method for generating nursing theory from practice

:Understanding the psychosocial aspects of genital herpes will enable community health nurses to be aware of the range of responses by young adults to the disease and of interventions suggested by research. Reviewed are the epidemiology of genital herpes infection; the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to it; the psychosocial consequences of and techniques for coping and adaptation to living with the disease; responses to treatment; and implications for community health nursing.

Psychosocial aspects of genital herpes: a review of the literature.

Summary. 

Clinical features of genital herpes, perceived causes, stress symptoms, treatments, and psychosocial factors in 70 young adults as compared to normative data for non-patient controls are described. The clinical features of the disease were congruent with those of other groups studied. Stress was viewed as the major cause of recurrence, headaches the major stress symptom, and acyclovir (an antiviral drug), was the major treatment. Statistically significant differences were found between scores obtained from the sample of young adults with genital herpes on three of four standardized psychological instruments when compared with normative data for non patient controls. Young adults with genital herpes had a lower self concept, more psychopathology, a greater frequency of daily hassles, and less intensity of uplifts. No differences were found, however, between the two groups in scores on depression.

W. Carole Chenitz

Papers

From practice to grounded theory : qualitative research in nursing

Surfacing nursing process: a method for generating nursing theory from practice

Psychosocial aspects of genital herpes: a review of the literature.

Clinical features and psychosocial factors in young adults with genital herpes