Building Insights from Qualitative Data through Multiple Grounded Theory Approaches

About

Workshop contents and objectives

This five-day intensive workshop offers a hands-on introduction to the practical application of different grounded theory (GT) methodologies for theory development from qualitative data. Each session combines short conceptual inputs with extensive practical exercises. By the end of the week, participants will have applied Glaserian, Straussian, and Constructivist grounded theory approaches to real data and presented their findings.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Select and justify the most appropriate grounded theory approach for their research question.
Apply Glaserian, Straussian, and Constructivist coding procedures to qualitative data.
Integrate reflexivity and ethical awareness into grounded theory analysis.
Develop and communicate grounded theory findings in written and oral formats.

Workshop design

The workshop follows a strongly practice-oriented structure, alternating between short lectures, guided exercises, group discussions, and data analysis sessions. Participants will engage in collaborative learning and receive feedback throughout the week.

Note: The course focuses on conceptual and methodological aspects and does not include software training. Participants are welcome to use their preferred qualitative analysis software for coding, provided they are already familiar with its operation.

Detailed lecture plan (daily schedule)

Day 1 – What grounded theory can do
Goal: Understand grounded theory as a methodology for theorizing from data.

Introduction to grounded theory as a methodology
Core principles: Constant comparison, theoretical sampling, memo writing, and coding as steps toward theory building
Overview of Glaserian, Straussian, and Constructivist variants: How and when each fits specific research problems
Workshop: Framing your research question and identifying suitable data sources
Hands-on: Preparing your dataset for analysis
Day 2 – Building from data: Applying the Glaserian approach
Goal: Learn and apply the Glaserian (classic) approach to grounded theory.

Glaserian principles of emergence, theoretical sensitivity, and minimizing preconceptions
Key techniques: Open coding, constant comparative analysis, and memo writing for category development
Practical exercise: Initial coding of qualitative data using Glaserian approach
Group reflection: Strengths (e.g. discovery orientation) and limitations (e.g. minimal guidance, abstraction risk)
Day 3 – Structuring the analysis process: The Straussian approach
Goal: Learn and apply the Straussian approach to grounded theory.

Transitioning from Glaserian to Straussian grounded theory: When and why to apply each
Coding techniques: Open, axial, and selective coding
Workshop: Applying Straussian coding and comparing results with Glaserian analysis
Discussion: Researcher involvement in shaping coding and theory
Evaluation: Strengths (systematic structure, clarity) and limitations (risk of over-formalization)
Day 4 – Co-Constructing meaning: The Constructivist approach, reflexivity, and ethics
Goals: Learn and apply the Constructivist approach to grounded theory, integrate reflexivity and ethics into grounded theory research.

Introduction to Constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz): Theory as co-constructed meaning
Reflexive practices: Memoing, researcher positioning, and inclusion of participant voices
Applied exercise: Re-analyzing excerpts through a Constructivist lens
Ethics in practice: Confidentiality, representation, and power dynamics
Discussion: Strengths (contextual depth, transparency) and limitations (subjectivity, interpretive bias)
Day 5 – From analysis to theory: Presenting and writing grounded theory research
Goal: Synthesize and communicate grounded theory findings.

Student presentations: Presenting analysis and findings using one or more grounded theory approaches
Peer feedback and group discussion: Challenges, insights, and methodological decisions
Evaluating trustworthiness and credibility in grounded theory studies
Writing a grounded theory report: From codes to conceptual frameworks and theoretical statements
Final reflections and takeaways

Class materials

Course readings and other resources will be made available on the iCorsi platform closer to the start of the course. Participants are encouraged to bring their own qualitative interview datasets; if not available, small sample interview datasets representing different research contexts will be provided.

**The Summer School cannot grant credits. We only deliver a Certificate of Participation, i.e. we certify your attendance.**

If you consider using Summer School workshops to obtain credits (ECTS), you will have to investigate at your home institution (contact the person/institute responsible for your degree) to find out whether they recognise the Summer School, how many credits can be earned from a workshop/course with roughly 35 hours of teaching, no graded work, and no exams.

Make sure to investigate this matter before registering if this is important to you.

Course leader

Dr Lakshmi Balachandran Nair is a Senior Assistant Professor (Senior Researcher) at the Department of Business and Management at LUISS Guido Carli University, Italy.

Target group

graduate students, doctoral researchers, early career researchers

Prerequisites

The students are expected to have basic prior exposure to qualitative research (i.e. they should already know how to formulate a research question, how to collect interview data etc.)

Fee info