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Grounded theory methods and qualitative family research by LaRossa (2005) is particularly significant in its use of previous literature because the article attempts to critique and advocate the use of a specific type of theory in family research. Grounded theory is a very common methodology used in social science research and also somewhat controversial: "given the many books and articles devoted to outlining the procedures, one might presume that a basic grasp of GTM is within easy reach. Such is not the case, however" (LaRossa 2005: 838). LaRossa begins with a brief historical overview, noting how the original text outlining the principles of grounded theory, The Discovery of Grounded Theory, by Glaser and Strauss (1967) was specifically designed to close the gap between theory and anecdotal evidence in qualitative methodology (LaRossa 2005: 839). However, the author notes that even these authors began to diverge later in their careers on what precisely was meant...
Of open coding, for example, they note that "the concept-indicator model is predicated on the constant comparison of indicators, that is, on regularly identifying similarities and variations in texts" (LaRossa 2005: 841). In discussing axial quoting, LaRossa quotes more heavily from Strauss' later work (1987) alone, noting it "consists of "intense analysis done around one category" (LaRossa 2005: 846). With selective coding there is profound disagreement between Glaser and Straus: "although there is unanimity that selective coding entails the…
In his discussion of different methodologies of coding, such as open coding, LaRossa reflects upon how different theorists approached this complex process, but still tends to rely upon Glaser and Strauss for most of his definitions. Of open coding, for example, they note that "the concept-indicator model is predicated on the constant comparison of indicators, that is, on regularly identifying similarities and variations in texts" (LaRossa 2005: 841). In discussing axial quoting, LaRossa quotes more heavily from Strauss' later work (1987) alone, noting it "consists of "intense analysis done around one category" (LaRossa 2005: 846). With selective coding there is profound disagreement between Glaser and Straus: "although there is unanimity that selective coding entails the identification of a core variable" (LaRossa 2005: 851). LaRossa admits "if you find these descriptions hard to follow, you are not alone" (LaRossa 2005: 842). Quoting from the previous literature on the subject, rather than clarifying the concept, merely highlights why grounded theory is considered so obscure in many quarters.
After using (by his own admission) highly theoretical and somewhat obscure examples from theoretical literature, LaRossa then 'grounds' his discussion in a more specific study, that of Richardson's (1988) American Sociological Review article on extramarital affairs to show how grounded theory can actually be useful to create a 'narrative' theory of human experience (LaRossa 2005: 852). He also draws from examples of his own use of the theory "analyzing the interview transcripts in our study of the transition to parenthood" and Diane Vaughan's application of Glaser and Strauss to her work with dying patients (LaRossa 2005: 852). These examples are used to clarify the coding techniques that make up the bulk of the body of the paper and to show grounded theory's utility in 'real world' and 'hands on' research.
The majority of the body of the paper is thus relatively quote-heavy and draws from the literature, particularly Glass and Strauss, given their significance in the development of the theory. The introduction and the conclusion introduce the 'problem' of how to value grounded theory in the context of family research. Overall the tone of the article is very positive, but it would be more helpful to use extended examples. The bulk of the article discusses debates over appropriate coding, without examining how these are reflected in the later quoted actual research studies. Ultimately, qualitative coding attempts to illuminate phenomena in the real world that quantitative research cannot but the
Theory Checklist" as a guide. Analyze at least one assumption in your assigned article. Assessment of Article B According to Ralph De LaRossa's article "Grounded theory methods and qualitative family research," the use of grounded theory in the social science of family research is particularly valuable. Unlike other forms of qualitative research that merely describe a particular phenomenon or chronicle a 'case study' of a relatively obscure group of people, grounded theory
quality where data is gathered through interviews, surveys and observations, while quantitative study establishes its results on the basis of surveys, questionnaires and statistical data. A quantitative study "Study of Nurses' Knowledge about Palliative Care: A Quantitative Cross-sectional Survey" by Prem et al. can be compared with the qualitative study in question to understand the difference. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of nursing professionals
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People generally focus on appearance when coming across a particular individual. This is perfectly exemplified by the meeting between the old member of the De Lacey family and the monster. The man initially welcomes the creature, as he is no longer able to see and is unacquainted with the monster's facial features and body. Victor Frankenstein can be considered to contrast the monster through his behavior, his background, and because
...in the end 'the addict has to want to change' and if the addict does not want to change it does not matter what program..." that the addict is in. (National Institute of Justice, 2005) the National Institute of Justice reports that a woman "often retains legal custody of a child while in prison, and once out, may not have the child immediately returned to her by the family member