Grounded Theory Research Methodology Research Articles

Patterns of Physics Problem-solving and Metacognition among Secondary School Students: A Comparative Study between the UK and Malaysian Cases

Physics problem-solving is one of the fundamental skills among Physics students. Research shows that metacognition has played an important role in Physics problem-solving process. Previous research (Phang, 2009) has established patterns of Physics problem-solving and metacognition among secondary school students in the UK through Grounded Theory research methodology. Continuing from this work, patterns of Physics problem-solving and metacognition among Malaysian students are investigated and compared with the UK’s patterns. The problem-solving processes are “observed” using thinking-aloud technique followed by retrospective interviews. These are recorded using a digital video camera and transcribed for in-depth analysis. Although the basic problem-solving processes are similar among the two countries’ students, the main differences are in mathematical skills, reasoning skills and metacognitive skills.

Indigenous music therapy theory building through grounded theory research: The developing indigenous theory framework

There are diverse understandings within music therapy about what constitutes theory. Also, there is debate about whether research methodology, developed outside of the field of music therapy, is able to support the development of music therapy theory that is indigenous to the profession. In this paper, a framework, called the developing indigenous theory (DIT) framework, which allows for the development of indigenous theory through the use of grounded theory research methodology, is presented. A new definition of indigenous music therapy theory is provided. Here, indigenous music therapy theory refers to knowledge emergent from music therapy relationships which are able to be plausibly generalised across settings and time, allowing for the development of theory that is idiosyncratic to the field of music therapy. The difference between “precursors to theory” and actual “theory” are examined, and the outcomes of numerous studies are considered through the use of the framework. The distinction between complete and modified grounded theory studies is discussed. It is suggested that the DIT framework may hold relevance for the development of theory in other human relationship-based arts therapies.

Spirituality in Social Work Pedagogy

This paper discusses some results of a qualitative study that explored both student and educator viewpoints regarding the inclusion of spirituality in social work pedagogy. A grounded theory research methodology was used to analyze data obtained from semi-structured individual interviews completed with eighteen participants-eight educators and ten students. Data analysis uncovered the following pedagogical issues: delineating between spirituality and religion, the marginalization of spirituality, creating contexts for discussions about spirituality, making connections with theories and practices, and utilizing class exercises. The research analysis supports the need to become more intentional about including spirituality in social work pedagogy.

Total quality management in strategy and operations: dynamic grounded models

The aim of this paper is to explore and represent the dynamic relationship between total quality management (TQM), corporate strategy and resultant business operations. In particular, the paper seeks to determine the impact of TQM at the strategic level and how business operations are consequently developed and deployed. These issues are of interest to managers in organisations who want to move their TQM programmes beyond incremental operational improvements and to use TQM to influence, first, the strategy process and, second, business operations. Using an inductive grounded theory research methodology, the paper describes the development of a series of grounded models, which show the dynamic interaction between TQM, strategy and operations. It is concluded that the models represent a suitable framework for further in‐depth case‐based research in the area of TQM, strategy and business operations.

Toward a Grounded Theory ofthe Conceptual Change Process in Consultee-Centered Consultation

This article argues that a grounded-theory research methodology is a useful and fruitful tool to explore important questions in consultation and to generate new conceptualizations and theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). The grounded-theory approach is described and illustrated with examples from Hylander's research on consultee-centered consultation as practiced in Sweden. The result is a substantive theory about change processes. The theoretical research approach presented in this article makes it possible to further explore processes of consultation that have not been previously examined.

The strategic placement of TQM in the organisation: a grounded study

The aim of this paper is to investigate the strategic dynamics of total quality management (TQM) in an organisation using a grounded theory research methodology. Inductive grounded theory research methods are used to improve understanding. The main element of the research methodology is a longitudinal case study. The key findings, first indicate, that TQM and the Business Excellence Model (BEM) are not strategically significant models in an organisational context and lack dynamic representation. Second, the majority of the corporate strategic process and the key strategic drivers are outside the TQM environment. Finally, it is concluded that TQM can act as a strategic dynamic catalyst, incorporating culture, strategy and business operations.

The strategic impact and implementation of TQM

The aim of this paper is to conduct an inductive grounded theory study into the strategic impact of total quality management (TQM). The strategic importance of TQM has been argued for some considerable time (at least ten years or more). The resulting discourse has led to corporate strategy being considered as inherent in TQM. Despite an acknowledgement of the existence of this relationship, there is a paucity of research which seeks to investigate the key issues involved. A grounded theory research methodology was developed using 19 grounded case studies of organisations which were involved in TQM and which had well‐developed strategic planning processes. First, it was found that there was an inconsistency in TQM terminology, especially in regard to TQM’s integration with the strategic planning process. Second, TQM was only articulated as a means of achieving a target, which has been set at strategic level. Finally, the results indicated that TQM plays a key role in strategy implementation, as distinct from strategic formulation, within the organisations.

The role of the business excellence model in operational and strategic decision making

The aim of this paper is to determine current management thinking on how the business excellence model (BEM) is used within organisations. In many cases when organisational change models are applied in organisations the emphasis is on advocacy and implementation. There is a need to allow managers to play a role in critiquing these models which should lead to improved models and more informed application. This paper describes how a grounded theory research methodology is used to enable managers, who are applying the organisational change model known as the BEM, to develop their thinking in regard to the model. The main findings from the paper are, first, the clarification of the different aspects of the operational role of the BEM. Second, the managers found difficulty in attempting to use the model in a strategic manner despite the claims in the literature.

The strategic impact and application of the business excellence model: implications for quality training and development

The aim of this paper is to explore the tactical role of the business excellence model (BEM) and the significance for quality training and development, in relation to strategy and operations within organisations. There are conflicting accounts in the literature and praxis in relation to the role of the BEM. Some consider it to be a strategic model while others consider it to be of use solely at an operational level. This paper explores this dichotomy by considering the tactical role of the BEM in organisations and the implications for quality training and development in organisations. A grounded theory research methodology is used. Based on the research a grounded model of the BEM application in organisations is presented and discussed, showing the current role of the BEM for managers in relation to operations and strategy. The need for a resultant shift in emphasis in quality training and development is shown.

The Strategic Dynamics of Total Quality Management: A Grounded Theory Research Study

The aim of this article is to describe the development of total quality management (TQM) models using a grounded theory research methodology where a key part of the methodology is a longitudinal study. The models seek to capture the development of quality within organizations over time and thus to contribute a dynamic perspective.Much of existing literature on longitudinal TQM development in organizations is anecdotal and descriptive, without any obvious theoretical base. This article seeks to help fill the void by examining organizational practice with the view to develop underpinning theoretical models through grounded theory research.The article describes five models, which can be combined to describe the effective development of TQM within an organization. The models include TQM environment, TQM life cycle, the key points of TQM application, the strategic application of TQM, and the strategic application of the business excellence model (BEM). The case study is used to illustrate the application of the models in a dynamic situation.

Grounded theory methodology and practitioner reflexivity in TQM research

There is a paucity of research which seeks to develop TQM theories based on a deep and rich understanding of both socio‐political and technical issues. Resultant theories from such an inductive approach could potentially give a deeper insight into TQM, based on sound theoretical evidence. Studies of this kind should not be confused with descriptive case study analysis and examples of applications. While these helpful approaches contribute to the overall TQM discourse, they do not of themselves develop underpinning theory. This paper describes a grounded theory research methodology for TQM, rather than the actual theory and results. The methodology was applied to 19 organisations and to a longitudinal case study. The methodology makes a contribution from two aspects. First, a comprehensive grounded theory approach for developing TQM theory based in practice was developed and applied. Second, the methodology enabled the practitioners involved in the study to be critically reflective and reflexive in their thoughts and influence throughout the study. This reflexivity resulted in the case study organisation evaluating and implementing TQM‐based change throughout the study.

Pain Management and Health Policy in a Western Washington Indian Tribe

In an effort to decrease federal regulations of tribal health programs provided under the Indian Health Service, many Washington State tribes have responded to the self-determination act of 1992 by entering into compact agreements for their health programs. Prior to 1992, health services were provided through Indian Health Service (IHS) and contracted providers. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how pain was conceptualized in a western Washington tribe and to look at issues in provider communication and health policy. Grounded theory research methodology was used. Thirty participants (15 male and 15 female) provided individual in-depth interviews and participated in four focus groups. Participants provided in-depth information about the difficulties in obtaining effective pain management with contracted providers. Major codes included: (a) noticing symptoms, (b) going to a doctor, (c) getting a diagnosis, (d) trying treatments and evaluating them, (e) changing doctors and buying out (i.e., using personal resources to purchase care), (f) managing pain, and (g) losing hope. As individuals cycled through pain episodes, if the pain was not relieved, hope diminished. Findings are relevant to health policy and planning in Indian health.

Conceptions of the nursing process amongst nurse teachers and clinical nurses

This is a report of an empirical study whose aim was to investigate the conceptual nature of the nursing-process approach to the delivery of nursing care. The report includes a selective review of the literature on the subject to determine how the nursing-process approach is characterized by people who write about it. Details of the grounded theory research methodology used are outlined. So are the hierarchically focused interviews used to collect the data. Details of the data analysis are also given, including the use of a cluster analysis technique. In the results section, areas of concordance between conceptions of the nursing-process approach as they appear in the literature and those held by the interviews have been identified. Areas where conceptions are at variance with those in the literature have also been identified.