Mar 29, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2018-2019 
    
Academic Catalog 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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HOD-883GT Advanced Research Methodologies: Grounded Theory

2 or 4 semester credits
This course includes advanced studies and applied research projects, designed to develop skills in specific research methodologies and approaches. All the advanced research modules numbered 883XX are designed to enable students to learn a particular research method in depth. Grounded theory methodology is particularly appropriate for mapping out and understanding processes of change and development. The methodology aims to develop theory and explore hypotheses in the manner of empirical research. The kinds of issues that are particularly appropriate for using this approach to inquiry are processes that are not well understood, and gaining insight about the ways in which dynamics are linked can make an important contribution to knowledge. The methodology can apply at various levels of inquiry, from the individual, to the group, to the organization, and even to the community. For instance, at the individual level, grounded theory can provide insight about processes of change and development, to gain insights into paths and stages of change. For instance one can explore the stages of learning, or processes of decision-making, or the stages of an illness, or a personal transformation process. Grounded theory can be used to map out the pathways by which a spectrum of participants goes through a change from one stage of development or identity to another. At the group level, grounded theory can provide insight about group formation, group stages of collaboration, the dynamics of meetings, ways of making group decisions, processes by which groups learn or develop trust, etc. The methodology would allow for examination of the pathways, stages, and sequences that may involve change and transformation in groups, including the dissolution of groups. At the organization level, grounded theory can examine patterns of promotions, hiring processes, strategy development stages and processes, ways of implementation of decisions, types and paths of communications in organization systems, processes of adoption of new technologies or practices, project and program development cycles, performance evaluation process, and much more. At the community level, grounded theory can examine ways in which communities deal with disasters, growth, and poverty, promote entrepreneurship, make infrastructure decisions, engage the public in dialogue and consultation in community projects, etc. Grounded theory has common elements with other research methodologies, but it emphasizes the building of theory maps and understanding the structures of change and transformations in a wide spectrum of domains.
Pre-requisites: HOD-802  
Delivery Method: Online
Grading Default: Letter
Learning Outcome(s):
  • Understanding of core ideas of grounded theory
  • Application of grounded theory to research



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