Friday 25 May 2007

Phenomenology Vs Grounded Theory

The focus of grounded theory and phenomenology methods are differentiated by Creswell (1998) as follows: - purpose of a Grounded theory method is developing theory whilst that of the phenomenology method is understanding a concept or phenomenon.

Phenomenology is grounded in philosophy and was founded by Hurssel whilst studying consciousness as experienced by the participant. The goal of a phenomenological study is to describe the lived experience of the participants and the meaning of that experience from the participants’ perspective. Phenomenology is based on the assumption that one can only describe the world as experienced by the studied individual and is neither a subjective nor an objective description (Merleau-Ponty 1962). Phenomenology therefore seeks to describe psychological structures. When using the phenomenology method, a researcher is required to approach the data without prejudice and it is therefore advisable not to use literature as a source of data (Baker et al, 1992). The principal method of data collection when using a phenomenology method is the interview. It is also important for the researcher to show the participant a copy of the interview in order to confirm the meanings assigned to the experience (Wimpenny & Gass, 2000). Descriptive and Interpretive are the two most common types of phenomenology. Descriptive focuses on describing what we know whilst interpretive focuses on describing and interpreting human experience.

Grounded theory was developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967) when studying the experience of dying patients and has its roots grounded in sociology. The grounded theory method is based on symbolic interactionism which focuses on the processes of people’s social interactions and the meanings they assign to events. These interactions are said to be symbolic as something (language, words, symbols) is used to convey their meaning and facilitate the interaction (Denzin, 1989). Because Symbolic interactonism is a branch of interpetivism, Grounded theory is based on the assumption that people develop meanings to an event through experience and social interaction. The meanings that people assign to these events eventually build their behaviour (Baker et al 1992). Grounded Theory therefore seeks to explain social processes. Not only does the Grounded theory develop theory, but can modify and further develop existing theories (McCann & Clark, 2003). Grounded Theorists use literature reviews for theoretical sensitivity and also for theory comparisons. The literature review is also used to justify the study and provide background. Theoretical sensitivity enables researchers to enter the field of study with an awareness and understanding of the data so as to be able to isolate the appropriate from the inappropriate information (McCann & Clark, 2003). Grounded Theory employs two types of sampling, Purposive and theoretical sampling. Initially purposive sampling is used and initial data collected. Because grounded theory employs a cyclic approach of data collection and analysis, the initial data collected is analysed and further decisions about the participants is made based on the emerging theory. This later sampling is known as theoretical sampling, and the new data collected facilitates comparison of the emerging categories. Grounded Theory uses multiple methods of data collection including observational collection (Wimpenny & Gass, 2000).

Friday 11 May 2007

Current Timeplan - to be reviewed in 3 months time

Create the Weblog 1 month Fri 01/06/07 Mon 02/07/07
Test the weblog 1 month Mon 02/07/07 Tue 31/07/07
PgCRM Module 1 month Wed 01/08/07 Fri 31/08/07
Annual Monitoring Form 1 month Mon 03/09/07 Mon 08/10/07
MPhIl transfer to PhD 2 weeks Tue 11/09/07 Tue 25/09/07
Recruit and teach blogs (1 & 2) 1 month Mon 01/10/07 Fri 02/11/07
Recruit and teach blogs (3 & 4) 1 month Thu 01/11/07 Fri 07/12/07
Conduct Interviews 1 month Mon 03/12/07 Thu 10/01/08
Conduct Interviews 1 month Thu 03/01/08 Fri 01/02/08
Qualitative analysis 1 month Fri 01/02/08 Mon 10/03/08
Analysis & questionnaire design 1 month Mon 03/03/08 Mon 07/04/08
Questionnaire ( 1 & 2) 1 month Mon 07/04/08 Tue 06/05/08
Questionnaire ( 3 & 4) 1 month Thu 01/05/08 Fri 30/05/08
Quantitative analysis 1 month Mon 02/06/08 Tue 08/07/08
Start write up 12 months Tue 01/07/08 Fri 24/07/09

Philosophy of Social Research

This is why I have not blooged for a while, I have been trying to learn something unteachable - PHILOSOPHY.

Philosophy of Social Research



Epistemology: - What is acceptable knowledge and how valid it is and tries to answer questions like, what differentiates belief from knowledge?



Ontology: - is the part of Meta physics which deals with the nature of being, or what exists. The ontological argument is that in order for us to understand the world or domain we live in, assumptions are made about what exists within that domain, what is real?



There are four main strategies that can be employed to conduct research in the social sciences and these are:

1) Inductive

2) Deductive

3) Retroductive

4) Abductive

The approaches taken for research draw from these four strategies in the way data is collected, and analysed and are discussed below.

a) Positivism is an inductive approach and states that all true knowledge is scientific and is measurable. Also known as empiricism and pioneered by Auguste Comte, positivism rejects metaphysics and claims that knowledge of anything that cannot be observed and measured is impossible. This approach heavily relies on observation as the basis of scientific knowledge. In this approach, observations are made of a situation or problem, experiments are then conducted and the data thoroughly scrutinised and from this analysis new theories are developed. The ontology of Positivism is naïve realism were reality is assumed to exist and is guided by laws and mechanisms. Epistemology of positivism is dualist and objectivist, whereby the researcher and participants are viewed as separate entities, and the researcher’s views/ opinions/ beliefs do not in any way influence the research. The methodology best used in this approach is Experimental and manipulative, where questions are used to empirically test hypothesis with all other confounding variables controlled to prevent an influence on the outcome.



b) The second strategy of social research is the deductive strategy whereby the research is guided by theory. This strategy is also known as the hypothetico-deductive or falsificationist approach and takes on a Critical Rationalism approach of research. The main operation of this strategy is to falsify the hypothesis. The problem to be investigated is reviewed and a possible answer or explanation is created first before any observation is done. The answer to the question is also known as a hypothesis and this then undergoes various forms of scrutiny and testing in order to falsify it. The hypothesis stands as truth until such a time when after meticulous testing it is falsified.





c) Postpositivism is an approach that later developed to challenge positivism. It is a retroductive approach which relies on building structures and mechanisms of a phenomenon, observing and testing this structure in order to explain the situation/experience.

Post positivism’s ontology is critical realism, although reality is alleged to exist, it is not as perfect as it is in its natural state because of human’s flawed methods of discovery. The epistemology of this approach is modified dualist/objectivist, in this approach the researcher and participants are still viewed as separate entities but more emphasis is placed on pre-existing knowledge, and critical communities or “external guardians”. The methodology used for this approach is modified experimental/manipulative, the idea is to falsify rather than verify hypothesis. This methodology differs from positivism in that it collects data from more natural settings than a positivist.



d) Constructivism takes on an abductive approach and has relativist ontology. This is where there are many realities of phenomena all dependent on the social actor or individual. These realities can change over time or in different situations and can only be defined by the participant in any research. The epistemology of this approach is a transactional and subjectivist with the belief that the researcher and participant interact during the research and are therefore linked and thus knowledge is created as the research proceeds. Methodology most suitable for this approach is hermeneutical and dialectical. Other approaches that use this strategy include Feminism, Realism and Structuration theory.



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Tuesday 8 May 2007

Supervision meeting

Supervisory Meeting for Nothando Ngwenya on the 8th of May at 2:30pm in Paul Kingston’s Office.

Present: NN, PK, SM

1) We reviewed the information I wrote on the phenomenology and Grounded Theory methods, and discussed the most appropriate choice for the research.
2) Both supervisors advised that we meet up again with Lou in the next meeting and review the information again. I should also add more if possible on the sampling options for phenomenology method.
3) It was agreed that I should keep working on the MREC ethics process for the NHS and Paul said he would try and speak to Helen about getting my ethics form from the University as I cannot submit the NHS without University approval. I am hoping to submit the NHS ethics form end of May. Both supervisors agreed with this as I would need to start data collection before Christmas time.
4) I will also wait to get the RDC1 back from the University and pass on the proposal to the relevant hospices, especially Severn hospice as their collaboration has not yet been confirmed.
5) We had a brief discussion on the theoretical framework of the PhD, and shared some ideas. I have to do more work on that.
6) I need to start working on the Literature review which should consist of about 3 chapters. Expected completion of this will be August.
7) Next meeting will be the 25th of May 2007 at 11:00am


Things to do by next meeting

1) Build a theoretical framework of the PhD.
2) Read on the phenomenology and Grounded Theory methods.
3) Complete the MREC, NHS ethics form online, ready for submission.