Do Rigorous and Disciplined Grounded Theory Research and Case Study
Qualitative research methods,represented by grounded theory and case study,are becoming increasingly common in tourism management and business administration research.However,there are still numerous controversies over and uncertainty regarding the essential characteristics,evaluation criteria,and key steps in the process of applying them.This study analyzes how to effectively utilize the grounded theory and case study method and arrives at the following conclusions:(1)The primary characteristics of high-quality qualitative and case study methods are as follows:The research design has high credibility and reliability;the selection of samples and cases should match the research question and research paradigm;the data analysis process should be rigorous and standardized;the theoretical construction should be based on the balance point of"optimal distinction;"and attention should be paid to the uniqueness of the research method when writing essays.(2)Deep reflection is needed among academics on the connotation of grounded theory,while avoiding four typical misunderstandings,and relevant strategies and suggestions for core issues,such as theoretical sampling,coding skills,and reliability and validity testing,should be propounded.(3)Increasing attention has been paid to the standardization of the data analysis of grounded theory,especially to the description and display of the coding process in the essays.However,noteworthily,coding is not performed for the sake of coding itself,and only"continuous comparison"and reasonable interpretation form the core of data analysis.(4)The case study's data analysis and theoretical construction constitute the logical chain of"data-concept-concept relationships theory,"which includes the following two stages:The first stage proceeds from data to concept—that is,the case data are compressed and abstracted to be associated with the relevant concept.The second stage entails the conceptual relationships and their theoretical explanation—that is,logically linking these concepts,describing the pattern of case phenomena,and explaining their underlying mechanisms.(5)Case studies are conducive to revealing theoretical mechanisms and constructing new theories,and the quality of case studies can be effectively enhanced by selecting matching data processing methods.Per the different types of theories,case studies can be divided into both process and factor theories,which are suitable for different research designs and data processing methods.
grounded theorycase study methodqualitative research methodtourism research
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维普
