Hello,

I used grounded theory for my PhD, collecting my data by using semi-structured interviews and did not use observation as such. But I kept a research diary and added field notes as soon as possible after carrying out the interviews. If I noticed something that was not explicit in the interview transcripts, I noted it in my diary, and when relevant, I added it to my data. The field notes provided triangulation, giving another perspective. Examples were when a participant appeared to be uncomfortable when sitting for a period of time (had had a relatively recent sacral implant), while another sipped juice while I interviewed her; her medication had made her mouth dry, and when she spoke, her articulation between her tongue and mouth interior made the dryness audible. Both these observations were relevant to the data from the interviews, but at these points, were not mentioned by the participants.

Very best wishes with your PhD,

Mary

Most of the recent research done in grounded theory relies entirely on interviews. This is an interesting development, given that the original research by Glaser and Strauss (e.g., the books Time for Dying and Awareness of Dying) were based entirely on observation. The obvious conclusion is that you can you either interviews or observations or a mix of the two.

All the responses so far are really useful. Interviews and observations are a critical part of grounded theory analysis. For ease of triangulation and themetic auditing of your notes and interview outcomes It is best you combine them. Best wishes

Yes, I agree with Lasisi Raimi.

Observation is a great way to know about the matter from different angles. You will definitely get the ideas about the subjects or the environment which is not findable in the interviews. Even the way of expression has a meaning. So, we can do our analysis with a mixture of observation.

Hello

Thanks a lot of the new friends in

different countries for their answers.

Due to my experience, researcher may use whatever technique is adequate for gathering data. As an example, I used content analysis.

The following papers, which involve the illustration of data collection technique, may further help.

• Backman, K. and Kyngäs, H. A. (1999) Challenges of the grounded theory approach to a novice researcher, Nursing and Health Sciences, 1, 3, pp. 147-153.
• Baker, L. M. (2006) Observation: A complex research method, Library trends, 55, 1, pp. 171-189.
• Burden, J. and Roodt, G. (2007) Grounded theory and its application in a recent study on organizational redesign: some reflections and guidelines, Journal of Human Resource Management, 5, 3, pp. 11-18.
• Corbin, J. and Strauss, A. (1990) Grounded theory research: procedures, canons, and evaluative criteria, Qualitative Sociology, 13, 1, pp. 3-21.
• Giske, T. and Artinian, B. (2007) A Personal Experience of Working with Classical Grounded Theory: From Beginner to Experienced Grounded Theorist, International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 6, 4, pp. 67-80.