Toward a critical grounded theory
Abstract
Purpose
Research literature presents lively debate about whether research approaches traditionally belonging to distinct paradigms can be combined (Creswell, 2011). While much of this discourse has focussed on mixed methods studies that combine quantitative and qualitative data (Morgan, 2007), there has been less discussion of the implications and benefits of combining different approaches from two “alternative” paradigms. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the confluence of constructivist grounded theory as detailed by Charmaz (2006, 2011, 2014) with participatory research.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors discuss points of tension and convergence between the constructivist and participatory paradigms that underpin these approaches, and consider how the differences might be reconciled through a notion such as critical grounded theory. The authors illustrate these points through examples from the research practice in youth mental health.
Findings
The authors propose that incorporating some of the critical aspects of participatory philosophy into constructivist grounded theory offers a useful strategy for generating local theory in mental health research informed by social action agendas.
Originality/value
This paper extends thinking in the field of participatory and grounded theory research and offers new concept for researchers engaging in critical inquiry.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge members of the National Music Therapy Unit for their input to the thinking of this work.
Citation
Hense, C. and McFerran, K.S. (2016), "Toward a critical grounded theory", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 402-416. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-08-2015-0073
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited