Page 286 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

One alternative is ‘engaged theory’ as it puts equal emphasis on doing on-the-ground work

linked to analytical processes of empirical generalization. However, unlike GTM, engaged theory

is in the critical theory tradition, locating those processes within a larger theoretical framework

that specifies different levels of abstraction at which one can make claims about the world.

“We live in a world where unfortunately the distinction between true and false appears to
become increasingly blurred by manipulation of facts, by exploitation of uncritical minds, and by
the pollution of the language.”
― Arne Tiselius

Dimensional analysis describes a process proposed by Schatzman as an alternate method

for the generation of grounded theory in research as well. Schatzman’s criticism of the original

grounded theory method for its lack of structural foundation that would allow for the explicit

articulation of the analytic process in data collection, management and explanatory matrix.

Dimensional analysis was used in this regard, categories were ordered with an explanatory

matrix (Schatzman, 1991). The explanatory matrix is an analytical tool used to understand what

happened when participants and facilitators attending Community Conversations engaged tension

and disagreement. Dimensional analysis was used to move from data gathering, coding and

category development to a theoretical framework for addressing my objective research questions.

The primary question I wrote in Chapter 1 to be explored through this research focused on

understanding the aware in-the-moment experience of participants of dialogue within Community

Conversation groups. The question asks to explore a deeper layer of “What is the in the moment

experience of these participants and facilitators when they have a heighted sense of engagement,

epiphany, tension, conflict, breakthroughs and what realizations occur during dialogue processes?

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