Theoretical Sampling and Category Development in Grounded Theory

Draucker, Claire Burke; Martsolf, Donna S.; Ross, Ratchneewan; Rusk, Thomas B.

doi:10.1177/1049732307308450

Cited by 412 publications

(294 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Our study employed a purposeful sample 16,17 of 4 junior, 4 midlevel, and 6 senior consultant surgeons from 3 different surgical departments (surgery, neurosciences, and obstetrics and gynecology) and 7 different surgical divisions. Of the surgeons, 5 were women and 9 were men; the age of respondents ranged from was 33 to 69 years.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Call, the Save, and the Threat: Understanding Expert Help-Seeking Behavior During Nonroutine Operative Scenarios

Novick

Lingard

Cristancho

2015

Journal of Surgical Education

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OBJECTIVE-Asking for help in the operating room occurs within a surgical culture that has traditionally valued independence, decisiveness, and confidence. A tension exists between these deeply ingrained character traits and the new culture of team-based practice that emphasizes maximizing patient safety. The objective of this study is to explore surgeon-to-surgeon helpseeking behaviors during complex and unanticipated operative scenarios.STUDY DESIGN-Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 14 consultant surgeons from multiple specialties. We used constructivist grounded theory to explore help-seeking experiences. Analysis occurred alongside and informed data collection. Themes were identified iteratively using constant comparisons.SETTING-The setting included 3 separate hospital sites in a Canadian academic health sciences center.PARTICIPANTS-A total of 14 consultant surgeons from 3 separate departments and 7 divisions were included. RESULTS-We developed the "Call-Save-Threat" framework to conceptualize the help-seeking phenomenon. Respondents highlighted both explicit and tacit reasons for calling for help; the former included technical assistance and help with decision making, and the latter included the need for moral support, "saving face," and "political cover." "The Save" included the provision of enhanced technical expertise, a broader intraoperative perspective, emotional support, and a learning experience. "The Threat" included potential downsides to calling, which may result in near-term or delayed negative consequences. These included giving up autonomy as primary surgeon, threats to a surgeon's image as a competent practitioner, and a failure to progress with respect to independent judgment and surgical abilities. CONCLUSIONS-Our "Call-Save-Threat" framework suggests that surgeons recurrently negotiate when and how to seek help in the interests of patient safety, while attending to the

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Call, the Save, and the Threat: Understanding Expert Help-Seeking Behavior During Nonroutine Operative Scenarios

Novick

Lingard

Cristancho

2015

Journal of Surgical Education

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“…As the study progressed, theoretical sampling was used to explore emerging categories through the recruitment of participants with similar and divergent experiences and follow up interviews with participants. [66] Eight adults with TBI agreed to participate (see Table 1 for demographic details). Each had sustained a severe TBI resulting from a fall, sporting accident or motor vehicle accident.…”

Section: Methodsology Methods and Data Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“I’ve never been a yes person”: Decision-making participation and self-conceptualization after severe traumatic brain injury

Knox

Douglas

Bigby

2016

Disability and Rehabilitation

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Purpose: Although adults who sustain a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) require support to make decisions in their lives, little is known about their experience of this process. The aim of this study was to explore how participation in decision making contributes to self-conceptualization in adults with severe TBI. Method: We used constructivist grounded theory methods. Data included 20 in-depth interviews with adults with severe TBI. Through a process of constant comparison, analysis involved open and focused coding until clear categories emerged and data saturation was achieved. Results: Self-conceptualization emerged as a complex and multifaceted process, as individuals with TBI aimed to reestablish a sense of autonomy. We describe a recursive relationship in which decision-making participation assists the dynamic construction of self, and self-concept contributes to the experience of making decisions. The role of an individual's social support network in acting as a bridge between participation and self-conceptualization is presented. Conclusions: Findings emphasize that contributing to decisions about one's own goals across a range of life areas can reinforce a positive self-concept. It is vital that supporters understand that participation in decision making provides a pathway to conceptualizing self and aim to maximize the person's participation in the decision-making process. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPrevious research has identified that the experience of sustaining TBI has a significant impact on a person's conceptualization of self. This study identified that decision-making experiences play an important role in the ongoing process of self-conceptualization after injury. Decision-making experiences can reinforce a person's self-concept or lead them to revise (positively or negatively) their sense of self. By maximizing the person's decision-making participation, those around them can support them to develop positive self-attributes and contribute to shaping their future goals. ARTICLE HISTORY

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“…The term theoretical sampling was originally associated with Grounded Theory, but its principles apply across other methods too (Mason, 2002). The process involves either (a) locating cases from new groups of participants (for example a 'comparison' group to provide contrast with existing participants) or from new locations (Strauss, 1987), to build extra heterogeneity into the sample, or (b) re-structuring an already-gathered sample into a new set of categories that have emerged from analysis, and replacing any stratification/cells/quotas that were chosen a-priori (Draucker, Martsolf, Ross & Rusk, 2007). For example, Sandelowski et al (1992) conducted a study of couples who were experiencing parental fertility problems.…”

Section: Theoretical Samplingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sampling in Interview-Based Qualitative Research: A Theoretical and Practical Guide

Robinson

2013

Qualitative Research in Psychology

2,046

1,186

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Sampling is central to the practice of qualitative methods, but compared with data collection and analysis, its processes are discussed relatively little. A four-point approach to sampling in qualitative interview-based research is presented and critically discussed in this article, which integrates theory and process for the following: (1) Defining a sample universe, by way of specifying inclusion and exclusion criteria for potential participation; (2) Deciding upon a sample size, through the conjoint consideration of epistemological and practical concerns; (3) Selecting a sampling strategy, such as random sampling, convenience sampling, stratified sampling, cell sampling, quota sampling or a single-case selection strategy; and (4) Sample sourcing, which includes matters of advertising, incentivising, avoidance of bias, and ethical concerns pertaining to informed consent. The extent to which these four concerns are met and made explicit in a qualitative study has implications for its coherence, transparency, impact and trustworthiness.

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Theoretical Sampling and Category Development in Grounded Theory

Cited by 412 publications

References 38 publications

The Call, the Save, and the Threat: Understanding Expert Help-Seeking Behavior During Nonroutine Operative Scenarios

The Call, the Save, and the Threat: Understanding Expert Help-Seeking Behavior During Nonroutine Operative Scenarios

“I’ve never been a yes person”: Decision-making participation and self-conceptualization after severe traumatic brain injury

Sampling in Interview-Based Qualitative Research: A Theoretical and Practical Guide

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