Ethnographic and Grounded Theory, Coursework Example

Ethnographic theory represents a means of understanding interpretive results that are identified by examining a larger body of qualitative research (Erwin, Brotherson, & Summers, 2011). This theory supports an effective understanding of common themes that are identified within a group of studies rather than a single study (Erwin et.al, 2011). Grounded Theory is utilized by nurses in order to comprehensively evaluate a given study and demonstrate the importance of interpretation in analyzing a given set of data (Lecture Five). This method utilizes inductive reasoning in order to demonstrate specific patterns that impact the evaluation of qualitative data (Scott et.al, 2011). This process is instrumental in shaping qualitative analysis because it supports the development of new perspectives to facilitate a greater understanding of specific factors that impact quantitative research analysis (Scott et.al, 2011).

The process of triangulation represents what is also known as a convergent parallel design, whereby mixed methods are utilized to evaluate qualitative research to identify patterns in order to answer specific research questions (Kettles, Creswell, & Zhang, 2011). This method is most often utilized when there is a need to examine two methods and to compare the results that are derived (Kettles et.al, 2011). It is evident that these methods provide further evidence of the different areas whereby multiple data sets may be required and must be examined in order to evaluate a method such as an experimental design (Kettles et.al, 2011). It is important to evaluate the conditions under which a mixed methods or triangular approach might be appropriate, and this is generally observed in studies with multiple datasets and greater complexity (Kettles et.al, 2011). Therefore this approach is not likely to be successful in situations where there are limited or simplistic datasets that do not require significant thought and consideration in order to achieve the intended results (Kettles et.al, 2011).

References

Erwin, E.J., Brotherson, M.J., & Summers, J.A. (2011). Understanding qualitative metasynthesis: issues and opportunities in early childhood intervention research. Journal of Early Intervention, 33(3), 186-200.

Kettles, A.M., Creswell, J.W., & Zhang, W. (2011). Mixed methods research in mental health nursing. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 18, 535-542.

Lecture Five: Qualitative Analysis. Pp. 1-2.

Scott, J.A., Lasch, K.E., Barsevick, A.M., & Piault-Louis, E. (2011). Patients’ experiences with cancer-related fatigue: a review and synthesis of qualitative research. Oncology Nursing Forum, 38(3), E191-E203.