Challenges in combining different data sets during analysis when using grounded theory

Nurse Res. 2014 May;21(5):14-8. doi: 10.7748/nr.21.5.14.e1220.

Abstract

Aim: To describe the challenges in combining two data sets during grounded theory analysis.

Background: The use of grounded theory in nursing research is common. It is a suitable method for studying human action and interaction. It is recommended that many alternative sources of data are collected to create as rich a dataset as possible.

Data sources: Data from interviews with people with diabetes (n=19) and their family members (n=19).

Review methods: Combining two data sets.

Discussion: When using grounded theory, there are numerous challenges in collecting and managing data, especially for the novice researcher. One challenge is to combine different data sets during the analysis. There are many methodological textbooks about grounded theory but there is little written in the literature about combining different data sets.

Conclusion: Discussion is needed on the management of data and the challenges of grounded theory.

Implications for research/practice: This article provides a means for combining different data sets in the grounded theory analysis process.

MeSH terms

  • Data Collection / methods*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic / methods*
  • Nursing Methodology Research / methods*
  • Nursing Theory*