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Chapter 3 Research Framework
they have the “lived experience” (Patton, 2002). It aims to gain a deeper
understanding of the nature or meaning of everyday experiences (Van Manen, 1990).
3.4.1.3 Grounded Theory
Grounded theory is qualitative, exploratory and humanistic research. It is a strategy
of inquiry in which the researcher derives a general, abstract theory of a process,
action or interaction grounded in the views of the participant (Glaser and Strauss,
1967; Strauss and Corbin, 1998). It expects the researcher to start the research
without any fixed ideas about the nature of the thing that is about to be investigated
or how it operates. Some approaches to grounded theory negate against conducting a
literature review prior to commencement of the research (Charmaz, 2000).
Strauss and Corbin (1998) also stated that grounded theory is a general methodology
for developing theory that is grounded in data systematically gathered and analysed.
This theory evolves during the research. Researchers may also use theory from
previous research in order to elaborate the theory (Strauss and Corbin, 1998).
Grounded theory emphasises steps and procedures for connecting induction and
deduction through the constant comparative method, comparing research sites, doing
theoretical sampling and testing emerging concepts with additional fieldwork
(Patton, 2002). Creswell (2003) added that grounded theory requires the researcher
to attempt to derive a general, abstract theory of a process, action or interaction
grounded in the participants’ views.
Data collection methods are usually less structured. For example, many grounded
theory studies use open questioning in their interviewing (Strauss and Corbin, 1998).
3.4.1.4 Mixed Methods
A “new movement”, mixed-methods research combines alternative approaches
within a single research project (Denscombe, 2007). It is considered by Johnson and
Onwuegbuzie (2004) as the third wave or third research movement. According to
Creswell (2003), this approach may have originated in 1959. It recognises that all
methods have limitations and that by mixing methods, the various limitations could
be counterbalanced (Creswell, 2003). It has been defined by Johnson and