Five Approaches and Theory

[Name of the institute]Table of Contents

Introduction3

Five Approaches of Qualitative Research3

Five Approaches and Theory4

Grounded Approach and Theory4

Ethnography Approach and Theory4

Case Study Approach and Theory5

Phenomenology Approach and Theory6

Narrative Approach and Theory6

Usage of Theory in Own Research7

Conclusion8

References9

Five Approaches and Theory

Introduction

Mystery, secrecy, riddles, infiniteness and as gigantic as seven skies would be perfect terms to describe the nature of this world and to explore undiscovered facets we conduct the process of research. Research can be of different types. Qualitative research is something that is done to adopt in-depth understanding about any phenomenon. Some say, to discover unexplored features it is imperative to develop understanding through existing theories. In contrast, there are some who believe in qualitative research theory should be kept aside. The aim and objective of this paper is to reveal extent of association and role of theory in different approaches of qualitative research.

Five Approaches of Qualitative Research

There are different approaches through which the process of qualitative research can be performed. Five different approaches of qualitative research are as follows:

Grounded approach

Ethnography approach

Case Study approach

Narrative approach

Phenomenological approach

Five Approaches and Theory

The function that theory plays in each approach of qualitative research varies on the basis of nature and type of the approach. Different types of approaches of qualitative research and its association with theoretical dogma are described below:

Grounded Approach and Theory

The position of theory in grounded research approach can best be determined by getting insight about the core purpose of the research approach. The fundamental purpose for which the grounded research is conducted is to derive more description. This means that the end result of this research is the development and grounding a new theory (Jefferies, 2005). During the process of research under the grounded approach of research the theory does not play an integral part rather it is the end result of the grounded research that pays immense emphasis and value on research. During the process of research the role of theory is subtle and restrained. The utilization of already developed theory is done during the procedure of research at the stage when the researcher performs the review of the literature. There are some scholars who point out that the relation of theory and grounded approach is very weak whereas, there are also some who believe that grounded approach and theory are strongly co-related. This may be because theory does not play its part during research process but, the end result is generation and development of theory (Creswell, 2007).

Ethnography Approach and Theory

Ethnography research is conducted when a researcher is interested in revealing and getting a grasp over underlying meaning of behavior, language and interaction among members of the selected group. In order to derive meaning out of these elements a researcher relies on theory (Creswell, 2007).

The focal point in this approach that makes this approach to stand apart from other approaches is that under this the role of theory comes to play its role is at the stage of analysis and interpretation. This implies that at the stage of ...