How to “Get” Grounded and Not “Get” Lost: Review of Grounded Theory for Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide

As a developing PhD student one must work to develop the ability to apply critical thinking skills and analysis. In my pursuit to further understand qualitative research methods, I chose to look more closely at grounded theory method due to its seemingly complex structure and unique method of theory development. Urquhart (2013) works to present the components of grounded theory method (GTM) as a reaction to confusion and frustration of postgraduate students struggling with the method. She provides a sequential “how to” guide on GTM while asserting the importance of staying flexible within the structure. She acknowledges and addresses the criticism of GTM and strives to dispel myths associated with the method. Keywords: Qualitative Research, Grounded Theory Method, Coding, Novice Researcher, Glaserian Qualitative research methods continue to gain popularity and credibility within the research community which for many years was primarily focused on quantitative methods to produce valid results. While qualitative research as a whole has maintained a steady forward momentum, the grounded theory research method is still having to clear its name among the research community. This is not because of the method itself but due to skepticism in both the quantitative and qualitative community of researchers along with misapplications of the term “grounded theory.” It’s working twice as hard to show it has a place alongside other esteemed research methods and as Urquhart (2013) explains; it is often due to ignorance and prejudice that grounded theory method is dismissed and overlooked. Urquhart (2013) explains that using the terminology “grounded theory method” is a more accurate depiction of the method because “grounded theory” is the result of applying the method (p. 2). Grounded Theory for Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide (Urquhart, 2013) is ideal for beginning researchers interested in utilizing grounded theory method (GTM) as it clearly takes the reader through the building blocks of the method. Furthermore, seasoned researchers will benefit from the text as Urquhart (2013) works tirelessly at defending the method and providing a clearer understanding of the concepts and theories, particularly the use of coding. The text was developed out of a response to postgraduate students wanting a better explanation of the approach and Urquhart capitalizes on this opportunity by formulated the text as a reaction to gaps and barriers students were encountering as they attempted to utilize the method. I chose to review this method to confront my own criticism of qualitative research. Grounded theory seemed like a “stab in the dark” idea with a “hope and a prayer” of coming out on the other side with something of value. My approach to the text, in the spirit of GTM, was to let the data inform and guide me as I navigated the details of the research process. In spite of my good intentions, in retrospect, I can see how I began this pursuit with preconceived ideas of what the material had to offer. Which demonstrates one of my continued struggles with GTM: can we truly ever set aside our biases and preconceived notions? And if we can’t, how does it affect the development of the emerging theories in GTM? That being said, the text left me pleasantly surprised as it aptly addressed my skepticism regarding the method and its applicability.