Engineering and Physics Faculty Research and Publications
Methodological Commitments in Grounded Theory: Experiences of a Novice Researcher
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Title
2023 IEEE Frontiers in Education (FIE) Conference
Publication Date
10-2023
Abstract
Grounded theory is a well-accepted research methodology within engineering education research and regularly provides new insights contributing to the expansion of this field. The wide range of grounded theory usage and tradition allows researchers to implement grounded theory methods and methodologies in different ways depending on the needs of the research. This variety contributes to the richness of grounded theory and makes it a tool of value to engineering education researchers, but can also prove to be overwhelming and confusing to novice researchers new to the use of such methods and methodologies. This paper describes the experiences of a novice researcher in their process of implementing constructivist grounded theory as a methodology. This methods paper is developed within a larger qualitative study aiming to gain better understanding engineering student's motivation to engage in design activity within the context of a capstone course project. This paper will consider the various methodological implications of engaging with grounded theory, specifically how these often-tacit implications can be a challenge to a novice researcher. Examples of processes such as developing a semi-structured interview protocol, conducting in-depth interviews, and initially coding data will be expanded upon to reflect the researcher's experiences and thought processes when learning about and implementing this new methodology. Research quality, specifically research quality in qualitative research will be discussed and introduce important considerations such as researcher positionality and sensitizing concepts when engaging with constructivist grounded theory. We will use the initial interviews of three mechanical engineering student participants as the basis for our process description. Initial findings emerging from the initial coding of these interviews will be presented and discussed. By transparently sharing our experiences with grounded theory, we hope to make apparent some of the subtleties associated with such methodology and assist other novice researchers in their journey conducting grounded theory research.
Recommended Citation
E. Clement, J. L. Huff and S. Brown, "Methodological Commitments in Grounded Theory: Experiences of a Novice Researcher," 2023 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), College Station, TX, USA, 2023, pp. 1-7, doi: 10.1109/FIE58773.2023.10342904.
