A Personal Experience of Working with Classical Grounded Theory: From Beginner to Experienced Grounded Theorist

Authors

  • Tove Giske University of Bergen
  • Barbara Artinian Azusa Pacific University

Abstract

In this article the authors offer an example of the application of principles of classical grounded theory (Glaser) in data collection and analysis and present how they generated a substantive grounded theory named Preparative Waiting for patients who underwent the diagnostic phase at a gastric ward. They demonstrate how patients’ main concern emerged by constant comparison of data in open coding and how the core category of the theory and related concepts developed through selective coding. The authors offer examples of memos, the fitting of concepts to their data set, and the process of theoretical coding to illustrate how three different models were generated to improve fit, relevance, and workability of their grounded theory. They also discuss when and how to search and read the literature during a grounded theory study.

Author Biographies

Tove Giske, University of Bergen

Associate Professor, Bergen Deaconess University College, Bergen, Norway

Barbara Artinian, Azusa Pacific University

Professor Emeritus, School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, California

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Published

2007-12-19

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Section

Articles