Hi, i am PhD student and i am half way done with data collection and analysis. I am employing Ground Theory Method (GTM) for my study. I have initially coded the data in NVivo and currently reviewing my initial codes to explore their relation with broader themes, which can further guide the research process for theory development. I have set of memos associated with each interview. What is the best way to connect the memos with initial codes and later on with focused codes? Like while writing the first draft of analysis, should i relate my memos and discuss them in light of emerging themes?
Need guidance on this!
Also, what is the best way to present data using NVivo 12? is it word query, mind maps or comparison frameworks?
Sana - looks like you have several bases covered and your options are still 'fluid'. In terms of memos - you can integrate as you progress your transcript data - or you can leave and compare and contrast retrospectively. The main thing is not to method slur - and justify your approach (as the most appropriate) wihin your thesis.
On the NVivo presentation - again you have options. Any of your described three pocesses could be adopted. However, if you were to adopt a comparison framework - what would be be comparing against?
The attached qualitative data anaysis chapter may assist.
It sounds like you have a good start with your grounded theory methods. At this point, it would be wise to do focused coding by comparing codes to codes. It would also make sense to write memos that summarize the things you have been writing about in your earlier memos. The goal should be to elevate the level of your coding so that it becomes more interpretative and conceptual, and thus less descriptive.
I would avoid tools like NVivo's word query (and its so-called thematic analysis) because these are low-level, manifest content tools that attempt to replace line-by-line coding. But the mind maps could be useful for making comparisons and connections.
Hopefully the following publications could further help:
- Bringer, J. D., Johnston, L. H. and Brackenridge, C. H. (2004) Maximizing transparency in a doctoral thesis: The complexities of writing about the use of QSR*NVIVO within a grounded theory study, Qualitative research, 4, 2, pp. 247-265.
- Bryant, A. and Charmaz, K. (2007) The SAGE Handbook of Grounded Theory. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. (See: Asking Questions of the Data: Memo Writing in the Grounded Theory Tradition, Chapter 12, pp. 245-264).
- Harry, B., Sturges, K. M. and Klingner, J. K. (2005) Mapping the Process: An Exemplar of Process and Challenge in Grounded Theory Analysis, Educational Researcher, 34, 2, pp. 3-13.
- Hutchison, A. J., Johnston, L. H. and Breckon, J. D. (2010) Using QSR‐NVivo to facilitate the development of a grounded theory project: an account of a worked example, International journal of social research methodology, 13, 4, pp. 283-302.
- Soliman, J. A. and Kan, M. M. Grounded theory and NVivo: wars and wins. Proceedings of QualIT2004: International Conference on Qualitative Research in IT & IT in Qualitative Research, 24-26 November 2004, Brisbane, Australia. Hosted by the Institute for Integrated and Intelligent Systems, Griffith University.
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