Theory Analysis in Data Evaluation

The theory analysis process involves analyzing the concepts that are resulted from your data. This is an iterative process that requires flexibility because it’s impossible to anticipate how much information you’ll have to gather ahead of time. Grounded theory (GT) researchers continuously analyse and collect data until they reach theoretical saturation or the point at which new data doesn’t contribute to their theory’s development.

The first step in GT is to determine themes which are recurring through a thorough analysis of the data. These themes are identified and classified through relationship identification. This is the basis for GT analysis. It is referred to as open-coding. Researchers then employ a method of constant memoing and comparison to construct substantive codes or establish connections between concepts. This allows for the integration of concepts by connecting them in hypotheses. The concepts are then woven into these hypotheses through a process called axial coding.

When a researcher has identified or tentatively identified a core or core variable, they selectively take samples of new data to keep this variable in mind or to perform the process of theoretical sampling. This method defines the scope of their study and narrows the analysis to only what is most relevant to their question.

Therefore, a theory’s utility does not limit itself to the study area it can be used as an instrument for understanding the meaning of the information you get from your data, and it can help you compare and contrast the various aspects of your data. This is an essential aspect of GT analysis and is the reason it is essential https://notesjungle.com/theory-analysis-in-data-evaluation/ to include it in your methodology section, along with your coding techniques and the development of conceptual categories.