Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide

by Melanie Birks

This highly practical book introduces the whole range of grounded theory approaches, providing a comprehensive description of the strategies and techniques employed in this methodology. Unlike most existing books in this area, it is not written from a particular philosophical standpoint, and is the ideal first introduction for any student or researcher looking to use grounded theory in their analysis for the first time.

 

Birks and Mills’ accessible and highly-readable text is driven by practical case examples throughout to help the reader get to grips with the process of doing grounded theory analysis for themselves. The book deploys a variety of educational activities to guide readers through both the principles and the application of grounded theory, making this an ideal starter text for those new to the approach.

 

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guides the reader through each step of the grounded theory process clearly explains how to memo effectively, using examples includes a chapter which explains the difference between data generation and collection features information on how to use digital resources to manage data discusses the philosophy and ethics of grounded theory within the qualitative paradigm.

Genres: Research, Research Methods, Qualitative Research, Nonfiction

206 pages, Kindle Edition

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.