Essentials of Accessible Grounded Theory

by Phyllis Noerager Stern, Caroline Jane Porr

Overview

Phyllis Noerager Stern and Caroline Porr provide the most accessible description of grounded theory methods to date in this brief, clear, and useful guide. Based on the foundational work of Barney Glaser, the volume reflects the complexity of conducting grounded theory research— not something that can be done “by the numbers”— while offering much-needed help to younger scholars and community-based researchers in using the method effectively in practice. Examples, exercises, references and a glossary provide important resources for the grounded-theory novice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781598746075
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/01/2011
Series:	Qualitative Essentials , #4
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Phyllis Noerager Stern, Caroline Jane Porr

Table of Contents

Foreword Massimiliano Tarozzi 7

Chapter 1 Why This Book? 13

Chapter 2 Brief History of the World (of Science) 17

Chapter 3 Ground Rules 39

Chapter 4 The Launch 47

Chapter 5 Building a Conceptual Framework 61

Chapter 6 Sharpening Your Grounded Theory Edge 81

Chapter 7 How to Get Your Research Report Published 93

Chapter 8 Resources 101

Chapter 9 Concluding Thoughts Bon Voyage 109

Appendix A Theoretical Codes and a Career Trajectory 111

Appendix B Glossary of Terms 123

Notes 127

References 129

Index 137

About the Authors 143

Editorial Reviews

"The authors claim that the value of grounded theory is in doing it. The practice of grounded theory—which is the aim of this book, making the method accessible—is the best way to deeply understand its peculiar features. Doing good GT is also the way to avoid the above-mentioned trivialization of the method, and to avoid resting only on the use of a legitimizing jargon. Stern and Porr provide direction for doing excellent grounded theory. Therefore, we hope that the Essentials of Accessible Grounded Theory will provide a smooth but challenging introduction to the practice of grounded theory research, and we hope that the readers will continue their learning by doing, and enjoying research."

— From the foreword by Massimiliano Tarozzi, University of Trento, Italy

"Essentials of Grounded Theory provides exactly what the title promises, 'grounded theory made easy.' I find the exercises especially helpful to my masters students."

- Eleanor Krassen Covan, Professor of Gerontology and Sociology, University of North Carolina Wilmington

"As a grounded theory mentor, Phyllis Stern’s strength is her ability to respect all the voices at the table while generating insights that enlighten.  Stern and Porr offer a set of ground rules that transcend the current methodological debate and are useful regardless of the reader’s allegiance.  Porr’s spirit of inquiry and Stern’s wisdom are a rare juxtaposition that facilitates their confrontation of contemporary concerns in situating and doing grounded theory.  I am so glad to finally have a text that captures the scholarly dialogue, generosity, warmth and humor that I have enjoyed as a student and colleague of Phyllis Stern.  Thank you both!"

- Judith Wuest, Honorary Research Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick

"This book serves as a fun and helpful compass on the journey of discovery. It offers you assistance in handling periods of confusion as your participants' main concerns and strategies emerge. And most importantly the book demonstrates how to think and work as a grounded theorist. This is a most accessible book for anybody wanting to use Glasarian grounded theory!"

-Tove Giske, Associate professor of nursing, Haraldsplass Deaconess University College and Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, and Member of Bergen Research Group of Grounded Theory

“This book will provide an invaluable first reader in classical GT, a book that researchers can return to act as a quick reference and for clarification purposes. It will not, nor does it claim to, replace reading the original writings of Glaser and Strauss and latterly Glaser. It does what it says on the cover: it is accessible and covers the essentials of GT.”

—Tom Andrews, The Grounded Theory Review

“This is the most upbeat and encouraging book I have ever read on research methods. It is friendly, almost folksy, encouraging and inspiring.... It is a concise and comprehensive approach to make grounded theory accessible.”

—Martha Ann Carey, Qualitative Health Research

From the Publisher