Do you need a research question in Grounded Theory?

Unlike other research methodologies, grounded theory researchers do not need a research question before commencing their project. Instead, grounded theory researchers start with an interest in learning about a topic area and refine their interest and focus of that topic as their data collection and analysis progresses. So goes the theory…

In reality, all researchers work within disciplinary and institutional contexts and are bound by the expectations of research panels, ethics committees and funding bodies; these expectations can include the need for a pre-defined research question before approval is granted. In these instances, a broad open-ended question related to the topic area may suffice, initiating data gathering by inviting the participant to respond to a general topic.

The open-ended research question is kept intentionally broad with no indication given about the potential direction or pre-defined focus for the study, instead an openness is offered to the research participants to explore, discuss and define the qualities and boundaries of the topic in their own terms. For the grounded theorist, having started with a broad research question, they need to be ready to alter their research question as more refined questions of greater significance are discovered.

While a pre-defined research question isn’t a requirement of grounded theory, articulating a broad open-ended research question can be helpful in facilitating the administrative aspects of grounded theory research. An open-ended research question can be used to navigate disciplinary and institutional contexts and initiate data gathering without unduly influencing the nature or direction of that data collection and subsequent theory development.

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References

Bryant, A., & Charmaz, K. (2019). The SAGE handbook of current developments in grounded theory. SAGE Publications Ltd.          

Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory (2nd ed.). Sage.

Glaser, B. G. (1978). Theoretical sensitivity: advances in the methodology of grounded theory. Sociology Press.  

Simmons, O. (2009). Ethical review proposals. Retrieved 1 May 2024 from https://www.groundedtheoryonline.com/getting-started/ethical-review-irb/

Sample Size in Grounded Theory

Defining a sample size before starting a grounded theory project can be challenging, not least because the intention is that once data collection in a grounded theory study has commenced it continues until the theory is saturated, that is, until new data ceases to provide additional insights. There are no agreed upon recommendations for grounded theory sample sizes and, with an emphasis on theoretical saturation, it is impossible to definitively state how many participants will be needed as part of a grounded theory study.

Key grounded theorists have variously suggested that researchers start with a small to moderate sample size which is then adjusted based on the evolving scope of the study and the emerging insights, while recommending that the anticipated number of data collection points should be increased if pursuing a controversial topic or if anticipating provocative findings.

While a definitive sample size remains elusive, a pragmatic approach is needed to satisfy the requirements of research and ethics committees. A common perspective is to become familiar with what sample size is considered standard within a particular discipline, stating that “a minimum of 10 participants” will be recruited or, based on a content analysis of self-defined interview-based grounded theory studies, anticipating “between 10 and 30 interviews”. Whichever approach is selected, the advice is to err towards stating a larger sample size than initially anticipated to avoid having to apply for an amendment to an application should the sample size need to be expanded.

References

Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2023). Grounded theory: a practical guide (3rd ed.). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The discovery of grounded theory: strategies for qualitative research. New York: Aldine.

Morse, J. M., & Clark, L. (2019). The nuances of grounded theory sampling and the pivotal role of theoretical sampling. In A. Bryant & K. Charmaz (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of current developments in grounded theory (pp. 145-166). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. (2015). Basics of qualitative research: techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. London: Sage. 2nd ed.

Thomson, S. B. (2011). Sample size and grounded theory. Journal of Administration & Governance, 5(1), 45-52.

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Ethical Review of Grounded Theory Proposals

Most universities now require ethical review of research studies which involve human subjects; and even if your university does not require it, considering matters ethical can improve your study. Completing the forms required for ethical review however, can be confusing: forms designed to be appropriate for one research design may not be an exact match for another research design. Where the Grounded Theory research method is being used, it is often difficult for the applicant to work out how to answer the questions, and difficult for reviewers to assess the review application or proposal.

Dr. Odis Simmons of Fielding Graduate University, prepared some guidelines for reviewers at his university on how to assess a Grounded Theory Institutional Review Board (IRB) proposal.

http://www.groundedtheoryonline.com/getting-started/ethical-review-irb/

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