The three types of qualitative research designs are phenomenological, grounded theory, and ethnographic research. Compare the differences and similarities between two of the three types of qualitative studies and give an example of each.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format.
Comparing Phenomenological and Grounded Theory Research Designs
Qualitative research explores human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena. Two common qualitative research designs are phenomenological research and grounded theory research. While both approaches seek to understand human experiences, they differ in purpose, methodology, and outcomes.
Phenomenological Research
Phenomenological research aims to explore and describe lived experiences of individuals regarding a particular phenomenon. It focuses on the subjective meaning of experiences, emphasizing personal perception and consciousness (Neubauer et al., 2019). Researchers often use in-depth interviews with a small number of participants to capture rich, descriptive narratives. Data analysis follows a structured process, such as Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenological approach, which includes bracketing (setting aside biases), coding themes, and developing a composite description of the experience (Moustakas, 1994).
- Example: A phenomenological study could explore the lived experiences of nurses working in high-stress emergency departments, focusing on their emotional and psychological responses.
Grounded Theory Research
Grounded theory research, developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967), aims to develop a theory based on systematic data collection and analysis. Unlike phenomenology, which seeks to describe experiences, grounded theory generates a theoretical framework grounded in data (Charmaz, 2014). This approach involves constant comparative analysis, where researchers continuously collect and analyze data in an iterative process, often using interviews, observations, and documents. Researchers apply open, axial, and selective coding to categorize and refine emerging themes until a saturated theory is developed.
- Example: A grounded theory study could examine how patients with chronic illnesses develop self-management strategies, ultimately leading to a new model of patient empowerment.
Key Similarities and Differences
| Aspect | Phenomenological Research | Grounded Theory Research |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Understand lived experiences | Develop a theory from data |
| Data Collection | In-depth interviews, observations | Interviews, observations, documents |
| Data Analysis | Thematic analysis (Moustakas’ approach) | Constant comparative method (coding process) |
| Outcome | Rich description of an experience | Emergent theory grounded in data |
| Sample Size | Small (5–10 participants) | Larger, depending on data saturation |
While both methods collect qualitative data, phenomenology focuses on individual perspectives, whereas grounded theory seeks to create a broader theoretical understanding of social processes.
References
Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing grounded theory (2nd ed.). SAGE.
Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological research methods. SAGE.
Neubauer, B. E., Witkop, C. T., & Varpio, L. (2019). How phenomenology can help us learn from the experiences of others. Perspectives on Medical Education, 8(2), 90–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40037-019-0509-2
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