What is the term used for the coding and clustering of data to form categories in the grounded-theory method?
A. Theoretical sampling
B. Constant-comparative method
C. Emic method
D. Metasynthesis
Correct Answer: B. Constant-comparative method
Constant comparative analysis is an analytical process used in GT for coding and category development. The constant comparative technique is used to find consistencies and differences, with the aim of continually refining concepts and theoretically relevant categories.
Option A: The purpose of theoretical sampling is to allow the researcher to follow leads in the data by sampling new participants or material that provides relevant information. Theoretical sampling in GT is for the development of a theoretical category, as opposed to sampling for population representation.
Option C: The emic approach to studying human culture focuses on the members of the culture being studied. Their words, perceptions, and beliefs are the main sources of information used to understand the culture. For this reason, the emic approach is often referred to as the ‘insider approach.
Option D: Qualitative metasynthesis is an intentional and coherent approach to analyzing data across qualitative studies. It is a process that enables researchers to identify a specific research question and then search for, select, appraise, summarize, and combine qualitative evidence to address the research question.