Concurrent Data Collection and Analysis in Grounded Theory

A fundamental feature of grounded theory is the concurrent nature of data collection and analysis. Sometimes referred to as simultaneous data collection and analysis, it distinguishes grounded theory from other forms of research where data analysis only begins once data collection is significantly progressed or concluded. Underpinning concurrent data collection and analysis is the aim of achieving a rich analysis of the data, leading to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the processes at play within the grounded theory.

In grounded theory, concurrent data collection and analysis enables the researcher to remain sensitive to potentially relevant sources and populations, to explore connections between different data sources, and to uncover new insights to inform the future direction of data collection. In practical terms, concurrent data collection and analysis often begins with a small purposive sample. These data are coded and then analysed within and across data sets. Once the initial cycle of analysis has concluded, the nature and source of the subsequent data – which may now have changed from that considered during the initial data selection – are sought, and the cycle repeated.

Concurrent data collection and analysis can prove challenging when faced with the realities of fieldwork. Opportunities to access participants or data resources may arise closely together or, conversely, recruitment and participation rates may be slow and protracted. The advice is to maintain and work within the concurrent data collection and analysis cycle as closely as possible. However, it is acknowledged that full coding and analysis are not always possible between instances of data collection. In these cases, initial impressions, insights and reflections should be captured in research logs and memos as an intermediate means of informing subsequent data collection.

In summary, concurrent data collection and analysis aims to extend and saturate understanding through theoretical sampling, keeping the study informed by, and grounded in, the data.

References

Birks, M., Hoare, K., & Mills, J. (2019). Grounded theory: the FAQs. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 18, 1-7.      

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

Bryant, A., & Charmaz, K. (2007). The SAGE handbook of grounded theory. SAGE Publications Ltd.          

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

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Staged Sampling in Grounded Theory

In grounded theory studies the changing nature of the researcher’s understanding of a phenomenon informs the changing nature of their sampling strategy during the lifetime of a project. A staged approach to sampling is undertaken with the intention of exploring a full range of experiences or data sets.

Initially, purposive sampling is used to select a subset of the defined population known to have knowledge or experience of the research phenomenon. Later, as the researcher’s understanding of the phenomenon develops, a move to theoretical sampling is made in support of the ongoing development of the grounded theory; the subset of the defined population shifts to one that can provide detailed, complex and contradictory accounts of the research topic.

Opinions differ about when to start theoretical sampling, ranging from the first occurrence of constant comparative analysis as the researcher follows-up areas of interest, to only having value in confirming, clarifying and expanding theoretical categories.

Acknowledging the aim of facilitating depth and richness in the data of a grounded theory study, theoretical sampling continues until theoretical saturation has been achieved, that is, when the theory’s categories and their properties have been clearly articulated.

References

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

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: a practical guide for beginners. Sage.

Bryant, A., & Charmaz, K. (2007). The SAGE handbook of grounded theory. SAGE Publications Ltd.

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

Coyne, I. T. (1997). Sampling in qualitative research. Purposeful and theoretical sampling; merging or clear boundaries? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 26, 623-630.

Glaser, B. G. (1998). Doing grounded theory: issues and discussions. Sociology Press.

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What is grounded theory?

Despite the not inconsiderable growth in the number of research papers describing themselves as grounded theory, contrary to initial impressions, not all qualitative studies are grounded theory.

What distinguishes a grounded theory study from other forms of qualitative research is the philosophical and theoretical underpinning that guides the research process, that is, grounded theory as a methodology. Using grounded theory as a methodology provides a qualitative research framework based on a set of principles and assumptions about how knowledge is generated, the role of different forms of reasoning in making sense of the data, the importance of context, and the generation of theory from data. Is knowledge found (objective uncovering of something that pre-exists) or constructed (subjective interpretations of the participants daily realities acknowledging the role of the researcher)? How are inductive, deductive and abductive reasoning used in coding and theory development? The absence, or presence, of a priori hypothesis? The answers to these questions both inform whether a grounded theory methodology is being used and how research methods will be applied.

Grounded theory as a method refers to the systematic use of techniques to collect and analyse qualitative data. These methods are not unique to grounded theory, though must be present and used in a particular combination for a study to accurately be described a grounded theory study, including: coding approach, concurrent data generation and constant comparative analysis, memoing, theoretical sampling, theoretical saturation, and theoretical integration.

It’s the bringing together of the methods and methodology that make a grounded theory.

References

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

Bryant, A., & Charmaz, K. (2007). The SAGE handbook of grounded theory. 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.

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