Page 208 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

Grounded Theory and PALAR Working Together

Grounded theory and participatory action research methods are distinct, but potentially

complementary, approaches to qualitative inquiry. Although grounded theory has been

conceptualized in constructivist terms, it sometimes has elements of positivist thinking with an

image of neutral search for objective truth through rigorous data collection and analysis.

Participatory action research is always based on a critique of this image and calls for more inclusive

research processes. It questions the possibility of objective social sciences and aspires to engage

people actively in all stages of generating knowledge. I have applied both approaches in this project

as it was designed to explore the experiences of Community Conversation participants engage and

subsequently observe best practices for a future handbook for facilitators that takes into

consideration the needs and perspectives of a diverse community. Building on this experience, I

argue that the integration of grounded theory and participatory action research as PALAR can

empower participants and facilitator to inform together a greater practice.

Grounded theory is a method which includes a variety of tools to ensure a constructivist

approach and “persistent interaction with the data and emerging analyses” (Bryant & Charmaz,

2010, p.1). Grounded theory method is an effective tool for understanding the unseen and

discovering theory emerging from the data produced by individuals interacting with one another

(Charmaz, 2001; Clarke, 2005; Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Hood, 2010; Star, 2008; Strauss & Corbin,

1997). Charmaz (2008) noted grounded theory’s usefulness in supporting the connection between

data and theory: “Grounded theory method consists of systematic, yet flexible guidelines for

collecting and analyzing qualitative data to construct theories ‘grounded in the data themselves’ ”

(p. 2).

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