Conducting Grounded Theory Studies in Times of Pandemic: Challenges, Benefits, and Practical Strategies

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide researchers with knowledge of the challenges and benefits of moving to virtual platforms to conduct grounded theory studies during the Covid-19 pandemic era and beyond. An overview of grounded theory will be discussed highlighting interviews as the backbone of data collection for this methodology and the need to create a realistic research plan to implement the many steps the research process and document the challenges of this process during pandemic. Implementing qualitative research, including grounded theory studies in times of pandemic has not been an easy task, therefore, leading to a change in the research environment and operationalization of the well-established methods. To this regard, (qualitative) researchers were forced to adapt to virtual methods while trying to preserve the high quality and methodological rigorous of their studies. Thus, before embarking in a grounded theory study, it is important to examine the pros and cons of using online strategies to be able to make decisions related to participants’ recruitment, data collection through interviews and field notes. This chapter also provides practical strategies for scholars to implement grounded theory studies by using virtual platforms and describe the authors personal experiences in developing and supervising grounded theory studies by highlighting the challenges and benefits to both study’s participants and researchers. As the pandemic endures, it is important that researchers are aware of alternative methods for operationalizing their studies and ways of overcoming the challenges of doing recruitment and data collection through virtual means. The authors will conclude by recommending that rather than become worried about the quality of data obtained from an online interview, researchers reflect on the impact that it may have had on capturing the essence of the processes (phenomena) being studied and highlight the need of including the challenges and limitations of the study in the final report.

Keywords: qualitative studies; grounded theory; data collection; recruitment; virtual platforms.