Abstract

In this chapter we introduce grounded theory methodology and methods. In particular we clarify which research questions are appropriate for a grounded theory study and give an overview of the main techniques and procedures, such as the coding procedures, theoretical sensitivity, theoretical sampling, and theoretical saturation. We further discuss the role of theory within grounded theory and provide examples of studies in which the coding paradigm of grounded theory has been altered in order to be better suitable for applications in mathematics education. In our exposition we mainly refer to grounded theory techniques and procedures according to Strauss and Corbin (Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, 1990), but also include other approaches in the discussion in order to point out the particularities of the approach by Strauss and Corbin.

Highlights

  • In 1967, sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss published their seminal book “The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research” (Glaser and Strauss 1967), which lays the foundation for one of the most prominent and influential qualitative research methodologies in the social sciences and beyond

  • We briefly described the coding procedures, the notions of theoretical sensitivity, theoretical sampling, and theoretical saturation and how these components serve the main aim of grounded theory, namely to develop a theory that is empirically grounded in the data

  • We recommend that the researcher, who has become curious and wants to start developing grounded theory, refers to the original sources

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Summary

Introduction

In 1967, sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss published their seminal book “The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research” (Glaser and Strauss 1967), which lays the foundation for one of the most prominent and influential qualitative research methodologies in the social sciences and beyond. With their focus on theory development, they dissociate themselves from mere theory verification and the concomitant separation of the context of theory. There, we describe some examples of studies that used grounded theory as the main methodology, but took a specific stance to theory development in using the methodology

What Is Grounded Theory?
What Kind of Research Questions Are Appropriate for a Grounded Theory Study?
A Short Introduction to the Methods and Techniques of Grounded Theory
Theoretical Sensitivity and Sensitizing Concepts
Interdependence of Data Collection, Analysis, and Development of Theory
Data Analysis
Open Coding
Axial Coding
Selective Coding
Memos and Diagrams
The Role of Theory Within Grounded Theory and the Coding Paradigm
Examples from Studies in Which the Coding Paradigm Was Changed
A Modification of the Coding Paradigm from the Perspective of Learning and Educational Theory
Personal Meaning When Dealing with Mathematics in a School Context
Learning Mathematics with Textbooks
Concluding Remarks
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