Grounded Theory Sampling Research Articles

Interviewing as a Vehicle for Theoretical Sampling in Grounded Theory

Interviewing is a frequently deployed data collection method in grounded theory research. Theoretical sampling is a core feature of the grounded theory method. Theoretical sampling is commonly understood as a means for sampling participants with a set of theoretical considerations in mind. However, theoretical sampling also occurs in the actual data generating process, for example through interviewing. Here, we illustrate how interviewing can be used as a vehicle for theoretical sampling. We discuss how to set up an interview study for it to be amenable to theoretical sampling. We show how interviewing and theoretical sampling align as the study proceeds and how interviewing in grounded theory can steer the course for theoretical sampling. We demonstrate how co-construction of data in grounded theory interviewing fuels theoretical sampling. Finally, we show that proceeding with questions for the purpose of theoretical sampling requires reflexivity and flexibility on the part of the researcher. We conclude that generating and analyzing data through the course of interviewing allows the researcher to probe into, expand on, and saturate key concepts and categories which collectively steer the inquiry and subsequent sampling. In the absence of theoretical sampling, it is not possible to grasp the basis for modifying interview questions or to decipher what or how questions should be asked, and for what purpose.

Rethinking Sampling in Grounded Theory: Reflections for Novice Grounded Theorists

Sampling stage for novice grounded theorists is not as well defined as for qualitative researchers. Grounded theorists use theoretical sampling to guide their research. However, theoretical sampling is an enigma for novice grounded theorists. They feel at loss when answer to their every question is theoretical saturation, and they lack the experience to realize that theoretical sampling will itself lead them to answers regarding whom, when and where. The present paper is an effort to guide novice grounded theorists by presenting a multi-layered nested sampling design developed in retrospect to bring to light steps that might be taken before theoretical saturation is achieved. Based on inductive approach, the study was conducted using grounded theory as a tool. The data was collected in 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews with professors and postdocs across Germany. The paper aims to propose a sampling scaffold for theoretical sampling to provide probable steps that novice grounded theorists could keep in mind during sampling stage

‘A change in the men’s everyday lives’ – a grounded theory study

BackgroundResearch to date indicates that most nursing homes offer various kinds of activities for their residents, but that these are seldom tailored to each individual person. In respect of activities, it is reasonable to assume that male residents are at particular risk of not receiving person-centred care as they inhabit a largely ‘female domain’, where the majority of personnel and often also of residents are female. Few studies to date have focused on activities for men in nursing homes.AimThe aim of this study was to explore male residents’ experiences of an activity programme in a nursing home in Norway.DesignThe study had an explorative Grounded Theory (GT) design. Data were collected by means of interviews with nine residents. All of the men were offered an activity at least once a week as part of a project over the preceding year.According to the basic principles of grounded theory sampling, data collection and analysis are carried out simultaneously using constant comparison.Findings The core category showed that there was ‘a change in the men’s everyday lives’ after the special activity programme – for men only – was offered. Their own influence on the content of the conversations and on the activity itself was described as limited. This was not important for them, as the most essential issues were ‘being together’ and ‘getting away’. Conditions relating to the men themselves, the place where the activities were held and the nursing personnel had an impact on how important the activity programme was for them.ConclusionsA more person-centred approach in future activity programmes will enhance the residents’ integrity and well-being, and allow them a degree of self-determination even while resident in a nursing home.

Grounded theory sampling: `whole' family research

This paper presents an analysis of the theory and reality of sampling `whole' families for a grounded theory research project exploring child and family management of acute childhood illness at home. Initial access to families for child health research projects can be difficult given the recent negative image of research involving children portrayed by the media. Once access to families is secured, whole family access may be prevented due to internal family dynamics in a society with rising rates of divorce and remarriage. Ethical issues also arise: individual family members may feel coerced into participating by other family members; if family members are interviewed separately researchers need to be particularly careful to maintain confidentiality; with children extra time is needed to facilitate rapport and an understanding of the researcher role. There is also a tension for children in the early stages of a research relationship between feeling safe and personal privacy. Theoretical sampling may direct data collection with wider members of the family, but it may not be possible to access these people. `Whole' family research may be the aim, but inevitably each family will decide, collectively and individually, how this is determined.

Review: Grounded theory sampling: `whole' family research

Review: Grounded theory sampling: `whole' family research

Grounded theory sampling

Grounded theory sampling

Grounded theory sampling

This paper explores the value of reflexivity for Glaserian grounded theory methodology, using examples drawn from experiences recruiting a sample for a doctoral research project. Reflexivity is highly relevant for grounded theory research due to its foundations in symbolic interactionism. In this study, reflexivity facilitated the identification of factors influencing sample recruitment at a process and a personal level. It provides a vehicle for the identification of the impact of self on the research relationship. Glaser’s (1978, 1992) early works situated personal experience within theoretical sensitivity, and as data to be included within constant comparative analysis method. His later writings (Glaser, 2001) explicitly reject reflexivity as a distraction from the data, seeing constant comparative analysis as having the ability to expose researcher effects on the data. He does not explore researcher influences on study recruitment. The analysis presented here suggests that the impact of the researcher at this stage of a project needs to become part of the research record(data) to ensure that its impact can be explored through constant comparative analysis. Reflectivity provides a framework through which this may be achieved.