Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide

This highly practical book introduces the whole range of grounded theory approaches, providing a comprehensive description of the strategies and techniques employed in this methodology. Unlike most existing books in this area, it is not written from a particular philosophical standpoint, and is the ideal first introduction for any student or researcher looking to use grounded theory in their analysis for the first time.

Birks and Mills’ accessible and highly-readable text is driven by practical case examples throughout to help the reader get to grips with the process of doing grounded theory analysis for themselves. The book deploys a variety of educational activities to guide readers through both the principles and the application of grounded theory, making this an ideal starter text for those new to the approach.

This updated Second Edition:

• guides the reader through each step of the grounded theory process
• clearly explains how to memo effectively, using examples
• includes a chapter which explains the difference between data generation and collection
• features information on how to use digital resources to manage data
• discusses the philosophy and ethics of grounded theory within the qualitative paradigm.

Melanie Birks is an Honorary Professor of Nursing at James Cook University and a leading voice in contemporary health professional education. She is deeply committed to conducting high quality, practice relevant research that enhances professional standards across a broad range of disciplines. Melanie’s scholarly work focuses on improving accessibility, innovation, and relevance in education, with a particular emphasis on preparing graduates who are industry ready and equipped to contribute meaningfully to their professions.

With a prolific publication record spanning more than 120 peer reviewed journal articles, numerous book chapters, and 10 widely used textbooks, Melanie is recognised internationally for her influential research and scholarship. In collaboration with Professor Jane Mills, she has developed a comprehensive suite of grounded theory resources, accessible at https://groundedtheory.academy/, including the highly successful online grounded theory course (https://groundedtheory.academy/course). The work of Birks and Mills has become an invaluable and acclaimed resource for researchers across disciplines seeking to engage with grounded theory methodology.

 

Jane Mills is Associate Professor, Director Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research and Deputy Dean of the Graduate Research School at James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Australia. In this role Jane works closely with students and academic staff to build research and research education with the intent of creating a brighter future for life in the tropics world-wide through graduates and discoveries that make a difference.  Jane’s research in in the areas of  primary health care, health workforce development, health systems strengthening, and teaching and learning uses both grounded theory and mixed methods. Jane has published extensively in the area of qualitative methodology with her work on grounded theory particularly well received. She has been writing with Melanie for nearly 10 years and together they have produced a number of important peer-reviewed articles and books that have guided students in their own work.  Visit Jane Mills’ website at http://research.jcu.edu.au/portfolio/jane.mills/.