Educational Research Methods
A site to support teaching and learning...
Building theory
The purpose of some forms of research is to construct new theory that can explain some social phenomenon of interest. For example, the aim of grounded theory (GT) methodology is to build (‘grounded’) theory. In GT, memos are used to support the process of theory construction.
“Theory is derived from the exploration of phenomena, the identification of concepts and the interrelationships between concepts surrounding phenomena, from which explanatory frameworks can be developed.” (Grbich, 2007: 186)
Grbich, C. (2007). Qualitative data analysis: an introduction. London: Sage
“When theory-building is the purpose of the project, relationships between/among the categories are postulated.” (Tesch,1990: 114)
Tesch, R. (1990). Qualitative Research: Analysis types and software tools. Basingstoke, Hampshire: The Falmer Press.
This is a personal site of Keith S. Taber to support teaching of educational research methods.
(Dr Keith Taber is Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.)
2015-2016
