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  • induction

    LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
      theory investigation.
    2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory
      data collection and analysis.
      3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
      grounded theory research.
      INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
      inductive research, theory building
      Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197

    Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
    College, Elgin, IL
    Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
    MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
    Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
    60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
    INTRODUCTION
    Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
    and may be used to generate theories based on the
    coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
    qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
    “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
    to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
    qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
    from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
    researcher collects information and draws conclusions
    from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
    complex settings are best understood by starting at
    “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
    development process.1
    This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
    is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
    where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
    possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
    setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
    already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
    Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
    having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
    requires much time and effort to refine.1
    The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
    build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
    this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
    particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
    Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
    research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
    such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
    Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
    theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
    I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
    to study how medical laboratory science clinical
    instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
    research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
    clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
    the participants in the study.
    Purpose
    A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
    uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
    lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
    not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
    explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
    considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
    words and experiences of the participants. The
    researcher begins with the individual stories of each
    participant, and then through the analytic process takes
    their stories apart and puts them back together again in
    such a way that tells the story of all the participants
    collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
    discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
    problems for which little theory has been developed.
    Description and verification are secondary concerns in
    this particular research method.4
    The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
    to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
    of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher canSampling.pdf

  • 8 Replies
  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
      theory investigation.
    2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory
      data collection and analysis.
      3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
      grounded theory research.
      INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
      inductive research, theory building
      Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197

    Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
    College, Elgin, IL
    Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
    MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
    Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
    60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
    INTRODUCTION
    Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
    and may be used to generate theories based on the
    coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
    qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
    “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
    to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
    qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
    from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
    researcher collects information and draws conclusions
    from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
    complex settings are best understood by starting at
    “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
    development process.1
    This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
    is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
    where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
    possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
    setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
    already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
    Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
    having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
    requires much time and effort to refine.1
    The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
    build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
    this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
    particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
    Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
    research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
    such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
    Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
    theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
    I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
    to study how medical laboratory science clinical
    instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
    research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
    clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
    the participants in the study.
    Purpose
    A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
    uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
    lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
    not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
    explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
    considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
    words and experiences of the participants. The
    researcher begins with the individual stories of each
    participant, and then through the analytic process takes
    their stories apart and puts them back together again in
    such a way that tells the story of all the participants
    collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
    discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
    problems for which little theory has been developed.
    Description and verification are secondary concerns in
    this particular research method.4
    The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
    to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
    of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher can

  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
      theory investigation.
    2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory
      data collection and analysis.
      3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
      grounded theory research.
      INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
      inductive research, theory building
      Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197

    Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
    College, Elgin, IL
    Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
    MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
    Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
    60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
    INTRODUCTION
    Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
    and may be used to generate theories based on the
    coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
    qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
    “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
    to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
    qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
    from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
    researcher collects information and draws conclusions
    from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
    complex settings are best understood by starting at
    “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
    development process.1
    This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
    is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
    where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
    possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
    setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
    already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
    Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
    having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
    requires much time and effort to refine.1
    The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
    build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
    this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
    particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
    Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
    research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
    such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
    Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
    theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
    I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
    to study how medical laboratory science clinical
    instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
    research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
    clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
    the participants in the study.
    Purpose
    A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
    uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
    lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
    not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
    explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
    considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
    words and experiences of the participants. The
    researcher begins with the individual stories of each
    participant, and then through the analytic process takes
    their stories apart and puts them back together again in
    such a way that tells the story of all the participants
    collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
    discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
    problems for which little theory has been developed.
    Description and verification are secondary concerns in
    this particular research method.4
    The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
    to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
    of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher can Sampling.pdf

  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
      theory investigation.
    2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory
      data collection and analysis.
      3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
      grounded theory research.
      INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
      inductive research, theory building
      Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197

    Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
    College, Elgin, IL
    Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
    MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
    Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
    60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
    INTRODUCTION
    Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
    and may be used to generate theories based on the
    coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
    qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
    “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
    to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
    qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
    from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
    researcher collects information and draws conclusions
    from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
    complex settings are best understood by starting at
    “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
    development process.1
    This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
    is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
    where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
    possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
    setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
    already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
    Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
    having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
    requires much time and effort to refine.1
    The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
    build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
    this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
    particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
    Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
    research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
    such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
    Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
    theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
    I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
    to study how medical laboratory science clinical
    instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
    research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
    clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
    the participants in the study.
    Purpose
    A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
    uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
    lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
    not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
    explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
    considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
    words and experiences of the participants. The
    researcher begins with the individual stories of each
    participant, and then through the analytic process takes
    their stories apart and puts them back together again in
    such a way that tells the story of all the participants
    collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
    discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
    problems for which little theory has been developed.
    Description and verification are secondary concerns in
    this particular research method.4
    The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
    to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
    of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher can Sampling.pdf

  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
      theory investigation.
    2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory
      data collection and analysis.
      3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
      grounded theory research.
      INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
      inductive research, theory building
      Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197

    Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
    College, Elgin, IL
    Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
    MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
    Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
    60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
    INTRODUCTION
    Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
    and may be used to generate theories based on the
    coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
    qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
    “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
    to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
    qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
    from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
    researcher collects information and draws conclusions
    from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
    complex settings are best understood by starting at
    “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
    development process.1
    This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
    is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
    where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
    possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
    setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
    already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
    Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
    having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
    requires much time and effort to refine.1
    The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
    build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
    this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
    particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
    Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
    research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
    such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
    Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
    theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
    I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
    to study how medical laboratory science clinical
    instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
    research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
    clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
    the participants in the study.
    Purpose
    A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
    uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
    lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
    not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
    explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
    considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
    words and experiences of the participants. The
    researcher begins with the individual stories of each
    participant, and then through the analytic process takes
    their stories apart and puts them back together again in
    such a way that tells the story of all the participants
    collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
    discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
    problems for which little theory has been developed.
    Description and verification are secondary concerns in
    this particular research method.4
    The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
    to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
    of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher can Stakeholder Needs.xlsx

  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
      theory investigation.
    2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory
      data collection and analysis.
      3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
      grounded theory research.
      INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
      inductive research, theory building
      Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197

    Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
    College, Elgin, IL
    Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
    MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
    Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
    60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
    INTRODUCTION
    Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
    and may be used to generate theories based on the
    coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
    qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
    “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
    to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
    qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
    from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
    researcher collects information and draws conclusions
    from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
    complex settings are best understood by starting at
    “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
    development process.1
    This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
    is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
    where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
    possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
    setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
    already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
    Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
    having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
    requires much time and effort to refine.1
    The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
    build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
    this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
    particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
    Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
    research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
    such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
    Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
    theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
    I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
    to study how medical laboratory science clinical
    instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
    research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
    clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
    the participants in the study.
    Purpose
    A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
    uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
    lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
    not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
    explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
    considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
    words and experiences of the participants. The
    researcher begins with the individual stories of each
    participant, and then through the analytic process takes
    their stories apart and puts them back together again in
    such a way that tells the story of all the participants
    collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
    discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
    problems for which little theory has been developed.
    Description and verification are secondary concerns in
    this particular research method.4
    The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
    to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
    of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher can cleared_-how-to_note-_conduct_a_dqa (1).pdf

  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
      theory investigation.
    2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory
      data collection and analysis.
      3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
      grounded theory research.
      INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
      inductive research, theory building
      Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197

    Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
    College, Elgin, IL
    Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
    MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
    Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
    60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
    INTRODUCTION
    Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
    and may be used to generate theories based on the
    coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
    qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
    “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
    to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
    qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
    from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
    researcher collects information and draws conclusions
    from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
    complex settings are best understood by starting at
    “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
    development process.1
    This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
    is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
    where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
    possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
    setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
    already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
    Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
    having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
    requires much time and effort to refine.1
    The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
    build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
    this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
    particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
    Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
    research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
    such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
    Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
    theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
    I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
    to study how medical laboratory science clinical
    instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
    research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
    clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
    the participants in the study.
    Purpose
    A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
    uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
    lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
    not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
    explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
    considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
    words and experiences of the participants. The
    researcher begins with the individual stories of each
    participant, and then through the analytic process takes
    their stories apart and puts them back together again in
    such a way that tells the story of all the participants
    collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
    discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
    problems for which little theory has been developed.
    Description and verification are secondary concerns in
    this particular research method.4
    The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
    to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
    of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher can

  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
      theory investigation.
    2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory
      data collection and analysis.
      3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
      grounded theory research.
      INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
      inductive research, theory building
      Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197

    Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
    College, Elgin, IL
    Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
    MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
    Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
    60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
    INTRODUCTION
    Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
    and may be used to generate theories based on the
    coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
    qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
    “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
    to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
    qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
    from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
    researcher collects information and draws conclusions
    from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
    complex settings are best understood by starting at
    “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
    development process.1
    This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
    is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
    where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
    possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
    setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
    already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
    Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
    having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
    requires much time and effort to refine.1
    The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
    build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
    this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
    particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
    Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
    research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
    such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
    Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
    theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
    I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
    to study how medical laboratory science clinical
    instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
    research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
    clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
    the participants in the study.
    Purpose
    A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
    uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
    lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
    not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
    explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
    considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
    words and experiences of the participants. The
    researcher begins with the individual stories of each
    participant, and then through the analytic process takes
    their stories apart and puts them back together again in
    such a way that tells the story of all the participants
    collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
    discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
    problems for which little theory has been developed.
    Description and verification are secondary concerns in
    this particular research method.4
    The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
    to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
    of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher can

  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES

    1. Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
      theory investigation.
    2. Describe the process involved in grounded theory
      data collection and analysis.
      3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
      grounded theory research.
      INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
      inductive research, theory building
      Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197

    Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
    College, Elgin, IL
    Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
    MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
    Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
    60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
    INTRODUCTION
    Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
    and may be used to generate theories based on the
    coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
    qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
    “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
    to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
    qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
    from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
    researcher collects information and draws conclusions
    from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
    complex settings are best understood by starting at
    “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
    development process.1
    This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
    is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
    where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
    possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
    setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
    already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
    Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
    having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
    requires much time and effort to refine.1
    The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
    build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
    this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
    particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
    Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
    research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
    such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
    Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
    theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
    I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
    to study how medical laboratory science clinical
    instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
    research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
    clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
    the participants in the study.
    Purpose
    A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
    uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
    lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
    not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
    explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
    considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
    words and experiences of the participants. The
    researcher begins with the individual stories of each
    participant, and then through the analytic process takes
    their stories apart and puts them back together again in
    such a way that tells the story of all the participants
    collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
    discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
    problems for which little theory has been developed.
    Description and verification are secondary concerns in
    this particular research method.4
    The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
    to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
    of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher can Stakeholder Needs.xlsx

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