Does Grounded Theory Have a Place in Graduate Research?

Stacie Finley; Amber Howard

doi:10.29333/ajqr/14889

Stacie Finley ¹ ^* , Amber Howard ¹

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 8, Issue 3, pp. 60-75

https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/14889

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the practical use of the social constructivist grounded theory methodology in graduate studies and provide clarity on how this methodology can be used within graduate studies in a way that does not distort or change the social constructivist grounded theory assumptions and 21st century grounded theory principles. The framework for social constructivist grounded theory provided by Charmaz (2014) outlines a thorough research process graduate students can use with fidelity if given the opportunity. However, using social constructivist grounded theory is considered “the road less traveled” by most graduate students and their advisors. Professors can support students when using constructivist grounded theory in a way that does not distort the methodology if they are well versed in it. While this research process takes a different approach than most traditional thesis and dissertation studies, it can still be a meaningful and rich experience for graduate students.

Keywords: Graduate students, grounded theory, higher education, qualitative research

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Citation

Finley, S., & Howard, A. (2024). Does Grounded Theory Have a Place in Graduate Research?. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 8(3), 60-75. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/14889

Finley, S., and Howard, A. (2024). Does Grounded Theory Have a Place in Graduate Research?. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 8(3), pp. 60-75. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/14889

Finley S, Howard A. Does Grounded Theory Have a Place in Graduate Research?. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2024;8(3), 60-75. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/14889

Finley, Stacie, and Amber Howard. "Does Grounded Theory Have a Place in Graduate Research?". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2024 8 no. 3 (2024): 60-75. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/14889

Finley, Stacie et al. "Does Grounded Theory Have a Place in Graduate Research?". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 8, no. 3, 2024, pp. 60-75. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/14889

Finley S, Howard A. Does Grounded Theory Have a Place in Graduate Research?. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2024;8(3):60-75. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/14889