- Trending Categories
Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference Between Grounded Theory and Ethnography
Grounded theory and ethnography are two of the most popular research methodologies used in the social sciences. While both methodologies are used to understand social phenomena, they differ in their approaches, goals, and outcomes. In this essay, we will examine the differences between grounded theory and ethnography.
What is Grounded Theory?
Grounded theory is a research methodology that seeks to understand social phenomena by developing theories that are grounded in data. It was developed by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in the 1960s as a response to the limitations of traditional positivist research methods, which were often criticized for being detached from the reality of social life. Grounded theory seeks to understand social phenomena from the perspective of those who experience it, rather than imposing pre-existing theories or frameworks.
The goal of grounded theory is to develop a theory that explains the social phenomenon being studied, which is derived from the data that has been collected. In grounded theory, data collection and analysis are intertwined, with data being constantly revisited and reinterpreted as the theory is developed. The research process involves iterative cycles of data collection, data analysis, and theory development until a theoretical framework that explains the social phenomenon is established.
What is Ethnography?
Ethnography, on the other hand, is a research methodology that seeks to understand social phenomena by studying the culture and behavior of a particular group of people in their natural setting. Ethnographers immerse themselves in the culture they are studying and seek to understand the social phenomena from the perspective of the people who are experiencing it.
The goal of ethnography is to develop a deep understanding of the culture being studied, rather than developing a theory to explain a particular social phenomenon. Ethnographers typically spend a significant amount of time in the field, observing and interacting with the people they are studying. Data collection in ethnography can involve a variety of methods, including participant observation, interviews, and document analysis.
The following are the general methods in conducting an ethnographic research −
Evaluation if ethnography is the most suitable approach
Identifying and locating the most appropriate group
Selection of cultural themes, theories, or issues
Determine which ethnography type to utilize
Information collection
Data analysis
Generalizations of the participants’ and researchers’ views
Differences: Grounded Theory and Ethnography
One of the key differences between grounded theory and ethnography is their approach to data collection. Grounded theory typically involves collecting data through interviews or surveys, which are then analyzed to develop a theoretical framework. Ethnography, on the other hand, involves collecting data through observation and interaction with the culture being studied.
Another difference between grounded theory and ethnography is their approach to theory development. Grounded theory seeks to develop a theoretical framework that explains a particular social phenomenon, while ethnography seeks to develop a deep understanding of the culture being studied. Theoretical development in grounded theory is based on data analysis, while in ethnography, theoretical development is based on the researcher's observations and interactions with the culture being studied.
Additionally, the outcomes of grounded theory and ethnography also differ. Grounded theory results in the development of a theoretical framework that explains a particular social phenomenon, while ethnography results in a detailed description and understanding of the culture being studied.
The following table highlights the major differences between Grounded Theory and Ethnography −
Characteristics |
Grounded Theory |
Ethnography |
|---|---|---|
Philosophical Perspective |
Grounded theory is greatly influenced by symbolic interaction which seeks to gain more knowledge about the world by looking into how humans interact, specifically with the use of symbols such as language. |
ethnography is more holistic in approach and is not often assessed regarding philosophical standpoints. |
General Aim |
The general aim of grounded theory is to study emerging patterns which lead to a theory. |
The general aim of ethnography is to gain rich and holistic generalizations of a group’s behavior and their location. |
Proponent |
Grounded theory is credited to American sociologists, Barney Glaser, and Anselm Strauss. |
Ethnography’s concept development is attributed to Gerhard Friedrich Muller while the first known modern ethnographer is Bernardino de Sahagun. |
Forms |
Grounded theory has no distinct forms. |
Ethnography has several which includes life history, feminist, and confessional; two of its common forms are realist and critical. |
Methods |
The usual steps in grounded theory research are data collection and review, theme coding, categorizing codes, and theory conceptualization. |
Methods of ethnography are population identification, theme selection, ethnography type specification, data collection and analysis, and generalizations. |
Advantages |
The advantages of grounded theory include high ecological validity, novelty, and parsimony. |
Regarding ethnography, the benefits include addressing unpopular or ignored issues, and providing avenues for ethnographer’s creativity. |
Disadvantages |
The criticisms of grounded theory include its being misunderstood as a “theory”, its vague notion of being “grounded”, and some have misgivings regarding its claim to develop inductive knowledge. |
The disadvantages of ethnography include the risk for bias since the ethnographer’s intuitions are tapped, its long duration and high cost since it may take time to establish trust with the participants, and some groups may be difficult to access. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while grounded theory and ethnography share some similarities in that they both seek to understand social phenomena, they differ in their approach, goals, and outcomes. Grounded theory seeks to develop a theoretical framework that explains a particular social phenomenon, while ethnography seeks to develop a deep understanding of the culture being studied.
Grounded theory relies on data analysis to develop theories, while ethnography relies on observation and interaction with the culture being studied.
496 Views
