"In-depth exploration of qualitative research analysis - Phase 2: Managing qualitative data"
Published by our software Research Hub in 2023, this comprehensive guide, written by Neringa Kalpokas and Jörg Hecker, continues to delve into the world of qualitative research. The second part of the series focuses primarily on constructivist grounded theory (GT) as a methodology within qualitative research.
In their study, Kalpokas and Hecker applied constructivist GT in the fourth phase, structured around three parts: theoretical sampling, synthesizing, and saturation. This approach aims to build theory grounded in data while acknowledging researchers’ interpretive roles.
A collaborative and iterative coding process was employed, with two primary coders independently conducting coding through initial, focused, axial, and theoretical coding stages using qualitative data analysis software (ATLAS.ti). They then met for multiple rounds to align and refine their findings, enhancing methodological rigor and reducing bias.
When coders disagreed on codes or analytical interpretations, they involved the broader author team, resolving issues via discussion and majority vote to ensure robustness and consensus.
To establish a flexible coding environment, the authors first imported 69 Zoom-recorded videos, audios, and transcripts into ATLAS.ti, organized by interview participant. They then progressed coding through the four GT stages mentioned, verified context by listening to the original audio recordings, refined coding descriptions for coherence, enhanced transcripts visually, and restructured text to highlight key data.
The goal of their work was to identify persona types based on participants’ mental models related to learning modes in longevity planning (LP) services, thereby grounding theory in rich qualitative data.
This guide exemplifies a meticulous, transparent, and collaborative application of constructivist grounded theory to ensure quality and depth in qualitative analysis, making it a valuable resource for researchers employing qualitative methodologies.
The article, titled "The ultimate guide to qualitative research - Part 2," can be accessed at
In their collaborative effort, Kalpokas and Hecker, while working on the constructivist grounded theory (GT) methodology within their qualitative research for education-and-self-development and learning, implemented four stages of coding using software such as ATLAS.ti. Their aim was to ground theory in rich qualitative data by identifying persona types based on participants' mental models related to learning modes in longevity planning (LP) services, thereby ensuring quality and depth in their qualitative analysis.
