Comparison between Grounded Theory and Ethnographic Qualitative Research Methodologies

Answer

Comparison between Grounded Theory and Ethnographic Qualitative Research Methodologies

Collection and analysis of data of nonnumerical data – qualitative research – focuses on understanding concepts, opinions, or experience. Different methodologies such as phenomenological, grounded theory, and ethnographic research – can be applied to obtain in-depth insights into a problem or generation of innovative concepts. This essay, therefore, compares the two of the three types of qualitative research - grounded theory and ethnographic research – by enunciating their difference and similarities. 

Differences

The differences between the aforementioned three types of qualitative reach methods are based on their fundamental consideration. The fundamental consideration for grounded theory is that the research approach focuses on developing a theory that is grounded in data collected from the field or topic of study. On the other hand, ethnographic research methodology fundamentally considers focusing on describing and interpreting various groups that share cultures. Therefore, the three qualitative research methodologies have fundamental consideration in terms of the research approach. 

Additionally, the three types of qualitative research methodologies differ in their units of analysis. Unlike ethnographic research methodology, grounded theory method focuses on studying a process, an action, or an interaction that involves many irrespective of their experience as the unit of analysis. In contrast, ethnographic research methodology focuses on studying a group on individuals that share the same culture, making their unit of analysis to be culturally based. Therefore, the unit of analysis varies from individuals with the same experience to people with different experience, and to those with a shared culture. 

Similarities 

           The two qualitative research methodologies – grounded theory and ethnographic – are similarly based on the nature of their disciplinary origins. Both grounded theory and ethnographic qualitative research methodology draw their nature of disciplinary origin from sociology. The disciplinary origin focuses on studying social life, change, and repercussions of human behaviours. Additionally, both grounded theory and ethnographic qualitative research methodology have a similar form of data collection. The two qualitative research methodology collects data primarily using interviews of the participant individuals. This method of data collection is applicable to both research methods since it involves a small group of people.

           Moreover, both grounded theory and ethnographic qualitative research methodology have a similar description of research procedures. The two qualitative research methodology describes the research procedure by stating both rational and data processing procedures. The rational forms the basic reason for conducting a study in both the grounded theory and ethnographic qualitative research methodologies. Moreover, grounded theory and ethnographic qualitative research methodology describe the process of obtaining and analysing the collected data. 

           In conclusion, both grounded and ethnographic qualitative research methodology compares based on their differences and similarities. In contrast, grounded theory research methodology develops a concept from the collected data, while ethnographic research focuses on describing and interpreting various groups that share cultures as a fundamental consideration. Moreover, the unit of analysis for grounded theory is based on process, action, and interaction; while ethnographic research methodology focuses on studying a group on individuals that shares the same culture as a unit of analysis. In similarity, both grounded theory and ethnographic qualitative research methodology have a similar form of data collection, nature of their disciplinary origins, and a similar description of research procedures.