Grounded theory, often considered the parent of all qualitative research, is a complex approach used to develop theory about a phenomenon rooted in observation of empirical data. Widely used in nursing, grounded theory enables researchers to apply what they learn from interviewees to a wider client population.

This is a practical "how to" guide to conducting research using this qualitative design. It is part of an innovative series for novice researchers and specialists alike focusing on nine state-of-the-art methodologies from a nursing perspective. International scholars of grounded theory discuss the theoretical rationale for using this design, describe its components, and delineate a plan for generating theory using grounded theory methodology. Examples from published nursing research, with author commentary, help support new and experienced researchers in making decisions and facing challenges.

The book describes traditional and focused grounded theory, phases of research, and methodology from sample and setting to dissemination and follow-up. It encompasses state-of-the-art research about grounded theory with an extensive bibliography and resources. Varied case studies range from promoting health for an overweight child to psychological adjustment of Chinese women with breast cancer to a study of nursing students' experiences in the off-campus clinical setting, among many others. The book also discusses techniques whereby researchers can ensure high standards of rigor. Each chapter includes objectives, competencies, review questions, critical thinking exercises, and links to web resources. With a focus on practical problem solving throughout, the book will be of value to novice and experienced nurse researchers, graduate teachers and students, in-service educators and students, and nursing research staff at health care institutions.

Key Features:

• Includes examples of state-of-the-art grounded theory nursing research with content analysis and extensive bibliography
• Describes types of grounded theory, phases of research, and methodology
• Provides case studies including description, data collection and analysis, and dissemination
• Written by international scholars of grounded theory research

Foreword by Susan Y. Stevens

Preface

Prologue: Commonalities in Qualitative Research by Mary de Chesnay

Chapter 1: Overview of Grounded Theory

Ellen Olshansky

Chapter 2: Literature Review of Grounded Theory Nursing Research

Anne Batson and Mary de Chesnay

Chapter 3: Generating Theory Using Grounded Theory Methodology

Ellen Olshansky

Chapter 4: The Pathway to Making Change: How Parents Promote Health for their Overweight or Obese Child

Jennifer Laurent

Chapter 4: Psychological Adjustment of Chinese Women with Breast Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study

Shirley Ching and Ida Martinson

Chapter 5: Applying Constructivist Grounded Theory Methods

Lorraine F. Holtslander

Chapter 6: Psychological Adjustment of Chinese Women with Breast Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study

Shirley S. Y. Ching and Ida M Martinson

Chapter 7: The Integration of Grounded Theory within Clinical Ethnographic Research

Denise St. Arneault

Chapter 8: Grounded Theory Studies of Caregiving and Long-Term Care Decision-Making in Rural African American Families

Yvonne D. Eaves

Chapter 9: Womenís Experiences of Coronary Artery By-Pass Graft surgery: A Grounded Theory Study

Davina Banner

Chapter 10: A Grounded Theory Study of Nursing Students' Experiences in the Off-Campus Clinical Setting

Brian Sengstock

Chapter 11: Discovering the Theory of Moral Reckoning

Alvita Nathaniel

Chapter 12: Moderated Guiding: The Process of Generating a Grounded Theory of End-of-Life Care

Antoinette M. McCallin

Appendix A: List of Journals That Publish Qualitative Research

Appendix B: Essential Elements for a Qualitative Proposal

Tommie Nelms

Appendix C: Writing Qualitative Research Proposals

Joan. L. Bottorff

Appendix D: Outline for a Research Proposal

Mary de Chesnay