Title
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2014
Publisher
SAGE publications
Abstract
Grounded theory (GT) is a common approach to inductive analysis of qualitative health communication data. GT analysis generates a typology of themes or categories based on "emic" (research participant) perspectives that together constitute a new theory or extension of existing theory. GT is used to analyze data in written form, including researcher-generated data (e.g., interview transcripts, ethnographic field notes), participant-generated data (e.g., journal entries, narratives), or mediated representations (e.g., news coverage, Web site postings). GT contrasts with deductive research designs in which researchers begin with a theory and test ways in which data may (or may not) support its tenants. There is significant variability in the understanding and application of GT principles and practices within (and beyond) health communication.
Chapter of
Encyclopedia of health communication
Editor
Teresa L. Thompson
Recommended Citation
Ellingson, L. L., & Borofka, K. G. E. (2014). Grounded theory. T. L. Thompson (Ed.), Encyclopedia of health communication. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Comments
Copyright © 2014 Sage Publications. Reprinted with permission.