Page 9 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

Approach & Process

Using a basic approach of applied grounded theory as a methodology the author set out to

delve into awareness experiences from participating in Community Conversations (CC) via

personal observation contrasted with a textual database (such as reading a corpus of field notes)

from facilitated dialogues and follow-up interviews using noted points and labeled variables

(categories, concepts and properties) were closely examined for their interrelationships. The ability

to perceive variables and relationships is termed "theoretical sensitivity" and is affected by a

number of things including my reading of the literature and one's use of techniques designed to

enhance sensitivity. Grounded theory methodology was used to analyze qualitative research data

collected from participant volunteers and facilitators. A constructivist approach, grounded theory

allows for evaluation of the interactions of participants derived from informal observations of the

deliberative dialogue process and from research data gathered through semi-structured interviews,

open and axial coding, and constant comparison. With access to extensive literature, data archives

and comparing facilitation notes from previous dialogues I was able to construct a comprehensive

quilt of participant perspectives and analysis.

Within the context of personality psychology, a "dimension" refers to a continuum on

which an individual can have various levels of a characteristic, in contrast to the dichotomous

categorical approach in which an individual does or does not possess a characteristic. This paper

evolved from examining various attributes and characteristics participants in dialogue displayed

and I saw how the contributions of studied persons might fit into the four dimensions in Thomas

& Velthouse's (1990) multidimensional conceptualization of psychological empowerment in

predicting three expected outcomes of empowerment: effectiveness, work satisfaction, and job-

related strain. The literature on the four dimensions of empowerment (i.e., meaning, competence,

vii