Re-Putting the "R" for "Rigor" in Grounded Theory Using an Interactive Intensive Interview Model

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 10:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Generating Possibilities Via Critical Reflections and Expansion of Methods (Table 10)

Abstract

Grounded theory is a systematic/adaptive approach that develops theories or concepts based on a relatively large amount of data. While being considered important in all types of qualitative research, rigor is especially crucial for grounded theory. Many researchers limit their understanding of rigor to Lincoln and Guba’s trustworthiness or a technical notion of data saturation. This paper revisits the concept of rigor in grounded theory, emphasizes its methodological framework, and proposes an Interactive Intensive Interview Theory as a new way of establishing a higher level of rigor in grounded theory. This paper contributes to re-conceptualizing the design of interviews, which are often extensively used as a data collection/analysis method, to ensure they align with rigorous and trustworthy grounded theory.

Authors

• Crystal Romero-Mueller, Texas Tech University

• Jeasik Cho, Texas Tech University