Qualitative Research and a Modified Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to introduce the modified grounded theory approach (M-GTA) developed by Kinoshita (2003, 2007) for the English language. M-GTA is a modified version of the grounded theory approach (GTA), but is different from GTA in its strict coding procedures. It does not employ the method of finely fragmenting data (e.g., coding data line by line), and it forms concepts straight from interpretations of data on an analysis worksheet (Kinoshita, 2003). Kinoshita (2003) uses a two-stage data analytical procedure: open coding comprises concept formation, while selective coding comprises thematic category formation. In open coding , written responses or recorded interviews are transcribed verbatim. Sentences that seem to have similar patterns are then gathered and given a concept name. On an analysis worksheet, the concept name, its definition, examples, and theoretical notes are recorded. Questions, ideas, or opposite examples, etc., are recorded in theoretical notes. Several concepts are integrated into a category, and several categories are then integrated into a core-category. A Diagram with descriptions of relationships among concepts, categories, and core-categories is developed. A narrative theme called Storyline is then presented. The point of theoretical saturation should be determined by the scope of the research question, the practicality of time allotment, and the appropriate resources available to conduct the study.