Grounded Theory in Medical Education Research

• Published in: Medical education online Vol. 11; no. 1; p. 4607
• Main Authors: Tavakol, Mohsen, Torabi, Sima, Akbar Zeinaloo, Ali
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 01-12-2006
• Subjects: grounded theory approach; medical education research; qualitative research methods; qualitative research methods; medical education research; grounded theory approach
• ISSN: 1087-2981; 1087-2981
• DOI: 10.3402/meo.v11i.4607

The grounded theory method provides a systematic way to generate theoretical constructs or concepts that illuminate psychosocial processes common to individual who have a similar experience of the phenomenon under investigation. There has been an increase in the number of published research reports that use the grounded theory method. However, there has been less medical education research, which is based on the grounded theory tradition. The purpose of this paper is to introduce basic tenants of qualitative research paradigm with specific reference to ground theory. The paper aims to encourage readers to think how they might possibly use the grounded theory method in medical education research and to apply such a method to their own areas of interest. The important features of a grounded theory as well as its implications for medical education research are explored. Data collection and analysis are also discussed. It seems to be reasonable to incorporate knowledge of this kind in medical education research.