Pages: 69

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 10

This introductory chapter explores the rise and significance of the grounded theory method (GTM) as a powerful tool for qualitative research in the social sciences, contrasting its widespread use in disciplines like psychology and education with its limited application in applied linguistics. It examines institutional biases, supervisory challenges, and student misconceptions that hinder GTM’s adoption. Arguing for its potential to enrich theory-building and address real-world issues in language education, the chapter outlines the book’s aim: to provide applied linguists with an accessible, discipline-specific guide for understanding, conducting, and evaluating grounded theory research in their own professional contexts.

Pages: 16

This chapter lays the philosophical groundwork for understanding grounded theory by exploring research paradigms through the lenses of ontology, epistemology, and methodology. Using the cosmological metaphor of a protostar and drawing from Autopoietic Theory, it maps the interplay between paradigms of structure, pattern, and process. Rejecting the notion of paradigm incommensurability, the chapter argues for a dynamic, interconnected view of research approaches. This framework encourages applied linguists to reflect on their own philosophical positions, understand diverse perspectives, and engage more effectively with qualitative and mixed-methods research. It offers conceptual tools for navigating complex academic landscapes and justifying methodological choices.

Pages: 21

Chapter Two traces the philosophical roots and early development of grounded theory method (GTM), highlighting its emergence from symbolic interactionism and the collaborative efforts of Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss. It details their seminal hospital research, the creation of classic grounded theory, and the foundational concepts of theoretical sensitivity, coding, memoing, and theoretical sampling. The chapter also explores the methodological divergence between Glaserian and Straussian GTM, the resulting intellectual dispute, and the evolution of GTM into a more inclusive and adaptable methodology. Readers gain critical insight into the complexities, strengths, and challenges of adopting GTM for qualitative inquiry.

Pages: 20

This chapter surveys the development of contemporary grounded theory methodologies (GTMs), emphasizing their emergence as a diverse family of approaches. It explores significant adaptations, including dimensional analysis, constructivist GTM, situational analysis, and critical GTM, and their philosophical and methodological distinctions. The chapter also critically evaluates newer approaches such as modified grounded theory and mixed-methods grounded theory, highlighting their potential and limitations. Through comparative analysis with other qualitative methodologies in applied linguistics, the chapter clarifies what distinguishes GTM, stressing the importance of rigorous theorization. Readers gain the conceptual tools to select and adapt the most appropriate GTM variant for their own research.

Pages: 99

No chapter abstract available.

Pages: 26

This chapter addresses key preliminary decisions researchers must make before conducting grounded theory studies. It explores ethical considerations, including informed consent, privacy, and the challenges of navigating institutional review boards in an era of increasing bureaucratization – coined here as ‘ethicism.’ The chapter offers practical strategies for gaining access to informants and managing fieldwork, emphasizing the importance of rapport and flexibility. It also discusses the use of technology, especially computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), weighing their advantages and limitations. Finally, it outlines considerations for transcription practices, highlighting how these decisions reflect philosophical and methodological commitments central to grounded theory research.

Pages: 23

This chapter guides readers through the foundational stage of grounded theory known as open exploration. Emphasizing reflexivity and a beginner’s mind, it introduces tools such as self-interviews, field observations, open coding, and memoing. It offers practical strategies for documenting and interpreting initial data, while cautioning against premature theorizing. The chapter also introduces repertory grids as a unique method for uncovering informants’ perspectives. It culminates in guidance on conducting qualitative interviews and writing memos, which foster the development of conceptual insights. Together, these techniques help researchers build theoretical sensitivity and prepare for deeper engagement in the grounded theory process.

Pages: 26

This chapter guides readers through the crucial transition from open exploration to theoretical generation in grounded theory. It introduces focused coding as a means of interpreting and grouping descriptive open codes, leading to the development of conceptual categories. Techniques such as memoing, diagramming, and theoretical coding are explained, alongside optional use of axial coding. The chapter also explores the role of scholarly literature in theory-building and culminates with identifying a core category or central phenomenon. Emphasizing creativity, reflexivity, and rigor, it equips researchers with tools to synthesize meaningful, grounded insights from rich qualitative data.

Pages: 18

This chapter addresses the final stage of grounded theory research: disseminating findings through writing and presentation. It offers practical guidance on structuring theses, journal articles, and monographs, emphasizing the importance of clarity, audience engagement, and methodological transparency. The chapter also explores stylistic considerations and strategies for academic presentations, including conference talks and thesis defenses. Common questions from skeptics and examiners are discussed, with suggested responses grounded in methodological rigor and academic humility. By foregrounding pragmatic utility, the chapter encourages researchers to share their grounded theories with confidence, aiming to inform scholarship and contribute meaningfully to real-world social contexts.

Pages: 4

This final chapter reflects on key insights gained throughout the book and encourages readers to apply grounded theory methodology (GTM) in applied linguistics (AL). It revisits core concepts such as philosophical grounding, coding, theorization, and literature engagement, while highlighting GTM’s practical relevance to real-world research contexts. The chapter explores promising applications in teacher identity, language learning, curriculum innovation, and technology integration. It argues that theorizing empowers applied linguists to contribute meaningfully to broader academic discourse. Concluding with a call to action, it positions GTM as a transformative methodology capable of elevating both personal research practice and the field as a whole.