Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide

by Melanie Birks, Jane Mills

The student-focused guide to grounded theory, this book takes you step by step through the whole research process, from creating a research proposal to sharing your findings.

Packed with tools to help you understand how grounded theory can be applied at each stage of your research project, the book
Interactive activities and critical thinking questions in every chapter so you can put your knowledge into practice
Case studies written by a wide variety of researchers so you can learn how to navigate real world research from people who have been in your shoes
Templates and checklists to help guide your writing and ensure you don’t miss a step in the research process.

Clear, accessible and applied, this book will help you get to grips with the philosophy of grounded theory, understand the nuts and bolts of designing and carrying out your research project, and manage any hurdles along the way.

Explore the accompanying online resources, which include PowerPoint slides, additional templates, and weblinks to videos and journal articles relevant to the key concepts in each chapter.

Genres: Research, Research Methods, Qualitative Research, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the development and practicalities of Grounded Theory (GT) as a qualitative research methodology. As a PhD research student, this book is the perfect primer in GT. Certainly a lot of prior discussions around method are starting to make more sense ;)

[Simon Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grounded Theory (GT) as a quantatative research methodology, until about 4 years ago, was an unknown concept to me. I was aware of some qualitative research methods but was surprised to realise just how widespread and almost ubiquitous GT is. It's only as I've started thinking about undertaking a PhD and started to do some background reading on research methodologies that I've come to realise just how important it is as an approach.

This book by Birks and Mills is a practical guide to understanding and utilising GT as a research methodology. That said they do favour one particular approach to GT; the constructionist approach of Charmaz rather than that or either Glaser or Straus.

This book is an excellent introduction for any one new to the area of social research and GT and will be a book that will be kept within easy reach as I embark on my PhD

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for a doctoral student looking to understand the fundamentals of grounded theory as a research method as part of obtaining a baseline understanding of different types of qualitative research. The book is not too theoretically dense and does not require wading through lots of philosophical positions in order to grasp the principles. I feel like this guide has demystified grounded theory for me, and for that act, I am grateful.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a solid introduction to the topic. That said, everything I know about GT came from this. I would definitely start with this and then move to Corbin & Strauss, Charmaz, or Glaser. I read the 3rd edition.

[Mehwish · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and easy to understand introduction to Grounded theory as a methodology.

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super useful and handy as far as textbooks go about statistics and research.