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Grounded Theory for Qualitative Research
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Grounded Theory for Qualitative Research
A Practical Guide

  • Cathy Urquhart - Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, Lund University, Sweden


November 2012 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Based on the author's own wealth of experience this timely, engaging book helps first-time researchers to discover the excitement of grounded theory.

Fresh, innovative and clear this book traces the history and development of grounded theory method, and examines how the method is evolving for new contexts today. It sets out the principles involved in using grounded theory and explains the process and theory associated with coding in grounded theory.

The book introduces us to the practicalities of research design, theory building, coding and writing up and gives us the tools to tackle key questions:

- What is grounded theory?

- How do we code and theorise using grounded theory?

- How do we write up a grounded theory study?

This is an exciting new text for students and researchers across the social sciences who want to use grounded theory.

 
Introduction
 
Grounded Theory Method (GTM)
 
Getting Started With Coding
 
Research Design Using GTM
 
Coding and Conceptualizing
 
Building the Theory
 
Scaling up the Theory
 
Writing up a Grounded Theory Study
 
The Contribution of GTM: Some Reflections

This book provides an excellent practical introduction for postgraduate students wanting to know "how to" use grounded theory
Michael D. Myers
University of Auckland


Student Feedback:

Words can't explain how glad I am to have been able to get hold of this book at this particular time, talk of serendipity!

As a first time user of GTM for my dissertation, navigating through the various strands of the method and attempting to make sense of multiple books (articles) on the subject was a daunting task. I now have a more clear understanding of what I need to do to successful finish my dissertation. The title fits the bill, 'A practical guide', it is and more.

The organization of the book is also great. I like the chapter summaries, exercises, web resources, further reading and frequently asked questions sub sections at the end of each chapter. Maybe the book could have its own website so that these sections can be updated with new information on regular basis.

A copy of the book will stay permanently on my desk as I work through coding and writing up my research study for constant reference
David Sikolia
Oklahoma State University


This book very helpful - particularly the worked examples shown and the ideas about how to illustrate the data and memos. I referred to it again and again whenever I found myself feeling like I had lost the plot. Cathy Urquhart does have a way of de-mystifying things with simple clear language.
Jacqui Chapman
Masters Student


This is an important and very helpful book on grounded theory. It will be useful for both the established qualitative researcher and those who are just beginning their research careers. It is very well written and provides numerous examples of using grounded theory. I highly recommend this book.
R. Brent Gallupe
School of Business, Queen's University, Canada


At last! A guide to the use of Grounded Theory that is not only accessible for those attempting to apply the methodology for the first time, but also a useful reference for those who teach courses on Grounded Theory and qualitative research methods more generally.
Robert D Galliers
Bentley University


a practical guide indeed - helpful also as introduction

Professor Xenia Zeiler
Department of World Cultures, University of Helsinki
January 29, 2016

Excellent all round book that is very useful for the fundamentals of grounded theory. I will recommend this book to my dissertation students

Mr Nick White
Education, Sheffield Hallam University
January 20, 2016

Essential reading for students hoping to use a GT approach to qualitative research. Clear and concise, with a number of useful examples regarding how to implement the various stages this methodology.

Mr Daniel Andre Sly
Sport Science, Tourism & Leisure Dept, Canterbury Christ Church University
June 24, 2015

An excellent book that very ably articulates the issues surrounding the use and adoption of grounded theory. It very clearly describes the chequered history of grounded theory as a methodological approach and it does well to unpick the Strauss vs Glaser debate that is often associated with this area of research.

Mr David Wooff
Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University
May 6, 2015

good additional text

Ms Ailsa Cameron
School for Policy Studies, Bristol University
September 1, 2015

This text is not appropriate for my MA HRM/D students as few will evaluate a grounded theory appraoch in their research projects.

Dr Julie Haddock-Millar
leadership, work and organisations, Middlesex University
October 21, 2014

A clear and (as stated) practical guide to grounded theory method in qualitative research. Particularly useful for those new to this approach, especially those interested in a career in qualitative research.

Mrs Branwen Bingle
Institute of Education, Worcester Univ.
September 11, 2014

I will certainly recommend this as a very helpful book to Level 4 students

Mrs Adele Creer
computing, Isle of Man College
August 27, 2014

A useful contribution to the selection of titles we suggest

Ms Sally Howard
Warwick Institute of Education, Warwick Univ.
June 27, 2014

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781847870544
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