Selecting Methodologies For This Discussion
Selecting Methodologiesfor This Discussion Comp
For this discussion, complete the following: 1. Select a methodology from one of the five discussed in this unit, which you would use to design a qualitative study. 2. Demonstrate your understanding of the methodology by writing a one-page description of the methodology and a rationale for using the methodology to design a research study. 3. Support your choice and rationale with references from the assigned readings.
Paper For Above instruction
In the realm of qualitative research methodologies, selecting an appropriate approach is crucial to effectively explore complex social phenomena. For a comprehensive understanding of this process, I have chosen Grounded Theory as the methodological framework for designing a qualitative study, particularly within the context of public administration research. Grounded Theory, as elucidated by Glaser and Strauss (1967), is a systematic qualitative research methodology aimed at generating theory directly from data. It emphasizes inductively developing concepts and models grounded in empirical observations, making it particularly suitable for studies where existing theories are insufficient or nonexistent to explain a process or phenomenon.
Grounded Theory employs a rigorous, iterative cycle of data collection and analysis. Researchers typically start with broad research questions, often without preconceived hypotheses, and gather data through interviews, observations, or documents. The analysis involves open coding, axial coding, and selective coding to identify categories, their properties, and interrelationships, thus allowing the theory to emerge inductively from the data itself (Charmaz, 2006). One of the strengths of Grounded Theory lies in its flexibility and openness, fostering depth of understanding and allowing new theories to develop that are closely tied to participants' lived experiences. Additionally, it provides a clear methodological pathway that involves systematic procedures for data collection and analysis, which enhances the study’s rigor and credibility.
The rationale for choosing Grounded Theory in a public administration context stems from its capacity to illuminate complex organizational and policy processes that are not well understood or documented. For instance, when exploring how frontline public service providers interpret and implement new policies, Grounded Theory enables researchers to uncover underlying patterns, contextual factors, and emergent themes directly from stakeholder experiences (Birks & Mills, 2015). This approach promotes theory generation that can inform practice, policy development, and further research, aligning with the applied focus of public administration.
Furthermore, Grounded Theory's inductive nature minimizes researcher bias by allowing theories to emerge from data rather than imposing preconceived frameworks, making it particularly valuable when exploring novel or under-researched phenomena (Corbin & Strauss, 2015). The method's emphasis on continuous comparison and theoretical sampling ensures that data collection remains focused on developing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the research subject. Given these attributes, Grounded Theory offers both methodological rigor and flexibility necessary for addressing complex research questions in public administration, ultimately contributing to the development of robust, data-driven theories that can impact practice and policy.
References
- Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2015). Grounded theory: A practical guide. Sage Publications.
- Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. Sage Publications.
- Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2015). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
- Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research. Aldine Publishing.