Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics Research: A practical guide

194 Pages·2017·2.966 MB·English

by  Gregory Hadley

Grounded Theory in Applied
Linguistics Research
This volume demystifies the procedures and practical uses of grounded the-
ory, a well-established research methodology used around the world today
by social scientists, teachers, and qualitative researchers. Intended for gradu-
ate students, supervisors, and researchers, it provides readers with the tools
for understanding, justifying, and disseminating new theoretical insights for
the applied linguistics community and beyond.
Gregory Hadley is a Professor of Cultural Studies and Applied Linguistics
at Niigata University, Japan. He received his PhD in applied linguistics from
the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom), where his primary focus
was in the sociology of English language teaching. A Visiting Fellow at the
University of Oxford, he is the author of English for Academic Purposes in
Neoliberal Universities: A Critical Grounded Theory (Springer, 2015).
Routledge Studies in Applied Linguistics
For a full list of titles in this series, please visit https://www.routledge.com/
Routledge-Studies-in-Applied-Linguistics/book-series/RSAL
1 Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics Research
A practical guide
Gregory Hadley
2 Project-Based Language Learning with Technology
Learner collaboration in an EFL classroom in Japan
Michael Thomas
Grounded Theory in Applied
Linguistics Research
A practical guide
Gregory Hadley
First published 2017
by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN
and by Routledge
711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa
business
© 2017 Gregory Hadley
The right of Gregory Hadley to be identified as author of this work
has been asserted by him in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced
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or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and
explanation without intent to infringe.
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Hadley, Gregory (English language coordinator) author.
Title: Grounded theory in applied linguistics research : a practical
guide / by Gregory Hadley.
Description: Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY :
Routledge, [2017] | Series: Routledge studies in applied linguistics; 1 |
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016040561 | ISBN 9781138795105 (hardback) |
ISBN 9781315758671 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Applied linguistics—Research—Methodology. | Applied
linguistics—Social aspects. | Grounded theory—Research. | Social
sciences—Research.
Classification: LCC P129 .H23 2017 | DDC 418.0072—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016040561
ISBN: 978-1-138-79510-5 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-75867-1 (ebk)
Typeset in Sabon
by Apex CoVantage, LLC
Contents
List of figures ix
List of tables xi
Acknowledgements xiii
PART I
Understanding grounded theory 1
Introduction 3
The emergence of grounded theory 3
Unlocking the potential of grounded theory
in applied linguistics 4
The need for this book 8
Content overview 9
On style and substance 11
1 Establishing common ground: Paradigms in perspective 13
Towards deeper levels of insight 13
Paradigms and conceptual metaphors 14
The issue of incommensurability 18
The autopoiesis of research paradigms 18
Implications and applications 25
Grounding methodological practices with
philosophical insights 27
2 The origins of grounded theory 29
Early philosophical and methodological development 29
An overview of classic grounded theory 31
Drift and divergence 37
Conflict and recriminations 43
External critiques of grounded theory 45
Towards equilibrium and methodological tolerance 46
vi Contents
3 Contemporary grounded theory 48
A maturing family of methodologies 48
Dimensional analysis 48
Constructivist grounded theory 50
Situational analysis 52
Critical grounded theory 53
The interconnected nature of grounded theory methodologies 58
Comparing grounded theory with other qualitative
research methodologies 61
Towards pragmatic action 63
PART II
Doing grounded theory 65
4 Preliminary decisions 67
Ethics, ethical review, and ethicism 67
Opportunities for gaining access 77
Interview transcripts 79
Using specialist software 83
Packed for the journey 85
5 Breaking new ground through open exploration 86
Wonder, introspection, and sensitivity 86
Observation, note-taking, and early coding 88
Repertory grids 91
Conducting and coding qualitative interviews 99
Memos 103
An integrated cycle of exploration 108
6 Taking it to the next level: From description to theorization 110
Focused coding 110
Conceptual categories 117
Theoretical coding 119
Getting to the core 125
Theoretical sufficiency 129
Summary 130
7 Spreading the word: Theory dissemination 133
Writing up your grounded theory 133
Presenting your theory in public 141
Preparing for future challenges 148
Summary 150
Contents vii
8 Final thoughts 152
Taking stock of what we have learned 152
Scanning the horizon ahead 153
Towards a greater contribution 154
References 157
Appendix: Grounded theory readiness assessment inventory 175
Index 179
Figures
1.1 Metaphor of a Paradigmatic System of Thought 15
1.2 Interplay of Methodologies and Methods in Research
Paradigm Clusters 17
1.3 Capra’s Triad (Modified from Lowe, Carr, and
Thomas 2004) 24
1.4 Autopoietic Movement within the History of
Qualitative Research 27
2.1 Philosophical and Methodological Roots of Classic
Grounded Theory 30
3.1 A Family Tree of Grounded Theory Methodologies 53
3.2 Recursive Methodological Moves in Critical GTM 55
3.3 Development of Grounded Theory within Capra’s Triad 60
4.1 Networked Links to Qualitative Data in ATLAS.ti 83
5.1 Observation Log Template 89
5.2 Example of Observation Log with Codes and Notes 90
5.3 Materials for the Repertory Grid Technique 92
5.4 Providing Descriptive Elements for the Repertory Grid 93
5.5 Choosing Elements at Random 93
5.6 Eliciting Bipolar Constructs 94
5.7 Rating Constructs 95
5.8 Completed Repertory Grid 95
5.9 Example of Repertory Grid Display Using REP V 1.04 97
5.10 Open Coding of Interview Transcript 102
5.11 Example of an Early Memo during Open Exploration 105
5.12 Concurrent Practices of Open Exploration 109
6.1 Successive Coding Procedures for Constructing a
Grounded Theory 112
6.2 Axial Coding Conceptual Categories for Action-Based
Properties 123
6.3 Glaserian Theoretical Codes within the Architecture of
Axial Coding 123
6.4 Example of Later Memo with Diagram and Links to
Supporting Data 126
x Figures
6.5 Visual Metaphor for Locating the Main Concern of
a Grounded Theory 129
6.6 Summary of Techniques Used in GTM 131
7.1 Typical Range of Readers’ View in Grounded
Theory Reportage 134
7.2 Matrix for Grounded Theory Evaluation (Adapted
from Charmaz 2008) 146
7.3 Action Timeline for Graduate-Level Grounded Theory
Research 150