Contemporary Approaches to Mixed Methods–Grounded Theory Research: A Field-Based Analysis. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guetterman, Timothy C.; Babchuk, Wayne A.; Howell Smith, Michelle C.; Stevens, Jared
• Is Part Of: Journal of mixed methods research. Volume 13:Number 2(2019:Apr.)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 195
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: grounded theory -- methodology -- mixed methods -- qualitative design; Mixed methods research -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Research -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 507.21
• DOI: 10.1177/1558689817710877
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1558-6898

Abstract

Key scholars have lauded benefits of integrating mixed methods and grounded theory—or mixed methods–grounded theory (MM-GT)—yet there have been few attempts to ascertain in what ways researchers use MM-GT. Our aim was to systematically, but not exhaustively, examine applications of MM-GT and offer procedural guidelines. We identified 61 empirical MM-GT articles and developed a codebook for analysis. MM-GT was widely used across disciplines. Most published MM-GT provided little methodological detail regarding grounded theory, mixed methods, and their integration; theoretical development was noticeably absent; and the majority followed a convergent mixed methods design. This inquiry contributes to emerging discussions regarding the ways in which MM-GT can or should be used to more fully realize the potential of this approach.