I am curious what the differences are between using grounded theory or interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) for my dissertation. I am seeking to both complete my dissertation for graduation as well as publish.
My research topic is perinatal mental health and resilience.
Thank you for your thoughts!
Amber - it really depends what type of outcome you wish for. IPA is hermenuetical and based on experience and worldview of your participants. Adopting a Grounded Theory approach would depend to what extent your topic is already theoretically developed (grounded) or not. It could be that both are appropriate - but I am guessing that perinatal mental health and personal resiliance is already well defined and developed. Either approach are equally valid in terms of potential publications. Perhaps the attached chapter may assist.
Amber - it really depends what type of outcome you wish for. IPA is hermenuetical and based on experience and worldview of your participants. Adopting a Grounded Theory approach would depend to what extent your topic is already theoretically developed (grounded) or not. It could be that both are appropriate - but I am guessing that perinatal mental health and personal resiliance is already well defined and developed. Either approach are equally valid in terms of potential publications. Perhaps the attached chapter may assist.
I think either of these methods could fit your topic. For sources you should consider, I recommend Charmaz, Constructing Grounded Theory and Smith, Flowers, and Larkin, Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.
Hopefully the views/illustrations as per the following publications could help:
- Fuchs, T. (2010) Phenomenology and Psychopathology, in Gallagher, S. and Schmicking, N. (eds.) Handbook of Phenomenology and Cognitive Science. London: Springer, pp. 547-574.
- Phillips, L. and Thomas, D. (2015) The first antenatal appointment: an exploratory study of the experiences of women with a diagnosis of mental illness, Midwifery, 31, 8, pp. 756-764.
- Sharp, D. (2009) Perinatal Mental Health, in Gask, L., Lester, H., Kendrick, T. and Peveler, R. (eds.) Primary Care Mental Health. London: RCPsych Publications, pp. 198-210.
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