Grounded theory is a complex iterative process (Trochim, 2006) in qualitative research

to develop theory surrounding phenomenon grounded in observation. The research

begins with the raising of multiplicative questions which aids to guide the research,
however, are not intended to be either stagnant or sequestering. Core theoretical
concept(s) are identified as the researcher gathers data. Trochim (2006) notes tentative
linkages are developed between the theoretical core concepts and the data; while the
research is open and can take months to form verification and summary in the later
phase to cumulate one core theme.
In a case study the researcher explores a particular entity or phenomenon identified as
“the case” restricted by time and activity (e.g., a program, event, institution, or social
group) and collects detailed information through a multitude of data collection
procedures over a constant period of time (Creswell, 1994, 2007). The case study
provides a descriptive account of the entities’ experiences and/or behaviors kept by the
researcher through field notes, interviews (formal and conversational), survey, or
observation (Patton, 2002).
Phenomenological research identifies the essence of human experience about a
phenomenon as described by the participants (Creswell, 2009). The researcher is
utilized as an instrument to interact and collaborate with participants through
observation in the participant’s natural environment. This method is useful for gathering
stories, narratives and anecdotes from individuals and groups of people. The researcher
can adopt one of four roles as a participant observer. A "complete observer" does not
participate at all in the group studied, while a "complete participant" engages fully in
group activities. In both these roles, the group is unaware of the observer's status as a
researcher. A "participant-as-observer" participates in the activities of the group, as
does an "observer-as-participant," though on a more minimal scale. For both of these
roles, group members are aware of the researcher's role.
Narrative inquiry is utilized to acquire a deeper understanding in which individuals
organize and derive meaning from events (Polkinghorne, 1995) by studying the impact
of social structures on an individual and how that relates to identity, intimate
relationships, and family (Frost, 2011). The researcher is the tool for extracting the
meaning and telling the experience(s) of the event as observed by the researcher in the
subjects natural environment. The researcher employs field notes, interviews,
autobiographies, and photos of the human experience and provide context to develop a
deeper, richer understanding for the audience.
References
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
approaches (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Creswell, J.W. (1994). Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.
Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks, CA. Denzin, N.K. & Lincoln, Y.S. (1998). Collecting
and interpreting qualitative materials. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publication.
Frost, David M. (2011). "Stigma and Intimacy in Same Sex Relationships: A Narrative
Approach". Journal of Family Psychology 25 (1).
Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand
Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Polkinghorne, Donald (1995). "Narrative Configuration in Qualitative Analysis".
Qualitative Studies in Education 8 (1).
Trochim, W. M. K. (2006). The research methods knowledge base. Retrieved from:
http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/