Has anyone had experience using situational analysis in their research or have recommendations of published studies that have used it? We are beginning a five year study in dementia care and this is one of the many methodologies we are using. Thank you.
Adele E Clarke, Carrie Friese, Rachel Washburn have book that presents several examples: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS IN PRACTICE.
Also, here are a couple of articles that are "exemplars" of using situational analysis.
Mapping the Process: An Exemplar of Using Situational Analysis in a Grounded Theory Study, by Lyndal Khaw. In Journal of Family Theory and Review, 2012.
Situational Analysis as an Avenue for Critical Qualitative Research: Mapping Post-Katrina New Orleans, by Perez & Cannella, Qualitative Inquiry, 2013.
- In general, situational analysis is a version of grounded theory that has primarily been applied to organizations and processes (i.e., "situations" where something is happening). If your study is more devoted to issues of identity, meaning, and roles, then I would recommend Charmaz's Constructivist Grounded Theory as a more appropriate alternative.
You might also start with this article by Adele E Clarke: Article Situational Analyses: Grounded Theory Mapping After the Post...
I found situational analysis very useful in a comparative studies where I analysed dynamics in two cities (=> complex urban configurations). It was particularly helpful as it allows you to account for both material AND discoursive/semantic local contexts and dynamics.
David L Morgan thanks for your response. I am familiar with Clarke’s books but the exemplars you cite are new to us so will have a look. From having taught grounded theory for many years I would not see situational analysis as a version of GT. Perhaps some shared concepts but a different kettle of fish :)
Nona Schulte-Römer thank you for your response. We have read Clarke’s books but have not found many examples of published studies using situational analysis . We are particularly interested in how SA values both material and discursive local contexts, as you indicated. More so than many qualitative methodologies.
Dear Paul M. Camic
A situation analysis is very useful either as a stand alone study or as formative research ahead of other studies.
Our recent mixed-methods situation analysis helped us to identify gaps / barriers for which we then developed interventions that we are testing in clinical trials.
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