Grounded Theory
- This course teaches grounded theory as per Strauss and Corbin (1998) using NVivo
- You will learn the specificities of the method, type of research questions it answers, its different stages and the kind of results it generates
- This course can be taken as a standalone unit or combined with another methodological seminar, any of the method courses or an NVivo course.
Description
This course teaches the principles underlying the generation of an inductive middle-range theory based on the canons and procedures of Strauss and Corbin (1998). We start by historically and epistemologically situating grounded theory, reviewing how the method has been misrepresented in the social sciences and considering the type of research questions it best answers. In NVivo we implement the open coding phase according to the requirements of theoretical sampling, constant comparison and theoretical saturation. We then move on to axial coding and the coding paradigm to search for relationships between categories, learning that hypothetical relationships are provisional until repeatedly verified against the data. We also look for deviant incidences that may bring variation in explaining the phenomenon. In the selective coding phase, we identify a core category around which all others gravitate, thereby guiding the generation of theoretical hypotheses and serving as the basis for the conditional matrix. We conclude with a critical appraisal of the methodological quality of studies that used grounded theory and the best data visualisations to present its findings.
Prerequisites
Although no previous knowledge of any of the four methods of qualitative data analysis is required, participants should have some familiarity with qualitative research.
Schedule
Half-day from 9:00 to 12:00 or full-day from 9:00 to 16:00.
Location
This course is taught online in Zoom as well as onsite on a request basis.
Teaching methods
Lectures, demos with NVivo and hands-on exercises.
Fee
Please email me for information on fees.
Combining courses
This course is part of a five-course series on methods of qualitative analysis that includes Methods of Qualitative Data Analysis, Qualitative Content Analysis, Thematic Analysis and Cross-case Analysis. It can be taken alone or in conjunction with the other related courses. It can also be taught before, after or simultaneously with the Introduction to NVivo or Qualitative Data Analysis with NVivo courses.
This course was taught at




As a freelance methodologist, I train social scientists and humanitarian practitioners in qualitative analysis, decolonising research and participatory methodologies. I coach research teams, teach doctoral-level courses in method schools and I consult for humanitarian aid agencies worldwide.