Entering the Field: Decisions of an Early Career Researcher

Adopting Classic Grounded Theory Sajeel Ahmed, University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom Markus Haag, University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom Abstract Classic grounded theory methodology is a much-debated topic in research, especially when novice researchers are selecting classic grounded theory for their research or theses. There is a constant need to justify and defend certain processes of grounded theory, which often challenge other research methods. As a novice researcher, I have often found myself juggling between the need to follow specific procedures and...

Understanding Abstract Wonderment: The Reflections of a Novice Researc...

Damian Stoupe, University of Bristol, United Kingdom Abstract The aim of this paper is to present a novice researcher’s understanding of Glaser’s dictum to approach classical grounded theory studies with a sense of abstract wonderment. In the paper, the argument is made that far from being a preposterous concept, cultivating abstract wonderment as a form of praxis can help liberate the researcher from the bonds of preconceptions and attachments, which impede the emergence of a grounded theory. The paper reflects a personal grounded theory study arising after a crisis of...

Ignoring Grounded Description

Barney G. Glaser, PhD, Hon PhD Why is there so much grounded description? The simplest, direct answer is that to many a researcher this is GT. This view is supported by several factors. It is easy and natural to describe accurately. So slipping into grounded description comes naturally and is ok as GT. Also departmental support for description is strongly supported by perspective and academic rewards and history and routine QDA. Also many researchers and readers of research cannot conceptualize very well if at all. They want accurate description about the data in the...

Open Coding Descriptions

Barney G. Glaser, PhD, Hon PhD Open coding is a big source of descriptions that must be managed and controlled when doing GT research. The goal of generating a GT is to generate an emergent set of concepts and their properties that fit and work with relevancy to be integrated into a theory. To achieve this goal, the researcher begins his research with open coding, that is coding all his data in every possible way. The consequence of this open coding is a multitude of descriptions for possible concepts that often do not fit in the emerging theory. Thus in this case the...

Refuting Denzin’s Claims: Grounded Theory and Indigenous Research

Steve Elers, Massey University, New Zealand Abstract The purpose of this paper is to refute claims made by Denzin (2007, 2010) concerning grounded theory and indigenous research.  I will argue that Denzin does not provide anything of substance to support why grounded theory, unless modified, will not work within indigenous settings.  I will refer to some examples of indigenous researchers who have used grounded theory for their research within indigenous settings, including my own doctoral research.  Further, I will argue that the basis for his claims are dubious as he...

About the Authors

Sajeel Ahmed is a researcher beginning his career at the University of Bedfordshire Business School. His PhD research is on emoji and their influence on communication on Facebook. He holds a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from Cardiff Metropolitan University, an MBA (International Business) from the University of Gloucestershire, as well as an MSc in Marketing and Business Management from the University of Bedfordshire. He has been a visiting lecturer in e-business-related units and supervises undergraduate dissertations. His areas of interest are computer-mediated...