Methodological quality of Grounded Theory research with families living with chronic illness

Theoretical sampling process in a Straussian Grounded Theory study

OBJETIVE

Describing the theoretical sampling process in the development of a Grounded Theory based on the Straussian strand. The objective of the field research, used as an example, was to develop a substantive theory, based on the theoretical framework of Symbolic Interactionism, about the perceptions and experiences of patients, family members, and health professionals regarding the presence of the family during emergency care.

METHOD

In the theoretical sampling, 42 participants were recruited, divided into nine sample groups, constituted based on the constant comparative method.

RESULTS

The description of this example allowed to identify how theoretical sampling guided data collection, which occurred through the in-depth study of concepts and the search for answers to questions arising from the data.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

It is expected that the readers find subsidies to understand how theoretical sampling is conducted in a Grounded Theory study, based on the Straussian strand, and thus be able to apply it.

Grounded Theory methodological aspects in Brazilian nursing thesis

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the application of methodological aspects of Grounded Theory in Brazilian nursing thesis. Methods: qualitative, descriptive study elaborated based on theses available in the CAPES Thesis and Dissertations Catalog, located with the search for the terms “Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados” OR “Grounded Theory”, from 2013 to 2017. The data obtained were analyzed, considering the Grounded Theory methodological assumptions. Results: observance of Grounded Theory basic concepts and articulation with several theoretical frameworks in the conduct of the investigations are strengthening aspects of the method. However, dissent in the description of the operationalization of the stages and naming of the elaborated construct weaken the methodological quality. Final considerations: the methodological consistency provided by Grounded Theory has the potential to demonstrate the studies’ rigor and reliability conducted and theories generated. It is necessary to deepen theoretical-conceptual studies to elucidate discrepancies in the applicability in nursing research.