title: Grounded theory in music therapy research.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Grounded theory is one of the most common methodologies used in constructivist (qualitative) music therapy research. Researchers use the term "grounded theory" when denoting varying research designs and theoretical outcomes. This may be challenging for novice researchers when considering whether grounded theory is appropriate for their research phenomena.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper examines grounded theory within music therapy research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Grounded theory is briefly described, including some of its "contested" ideas. A literature search was conducted using the descriptor "music therapy and grounded theory" in Pubmed, CINAHL PsychlNFO, SCOPUS, ERIC (CSA), Web of Science databases, and a music therapy monograph series. A descriptive analysis was performed on the uncovered studies to examine researched phenomena, grounded theory methods used, and how findings were presented,
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty music therapy research projects were found in refereed journals and monographs from 1993 to "in press." The Strauss and Corbin approach to grounded theory dominates the field. Descriptors to signify grounded theory components in the studies greatly varied. Researchers have used partial or complete grounded theory methods to examine clients', family members', staff, music therapy "overhearers," music therapists', and students' experiences, as well as music therapy creative products and professional views, issues, and literature. Seven grounded theories were offered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is suggested that grounded theory researchers clarify what and who inspired their design, why partial grounded theory methods were used (when relevant), and their ontology. By elucidating assumptions underpinning the data collection, analysis, and findings' contribution, researchers will continue to improve music therapy research using grounded theory methods.
authors.affiliation: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Caritas Christi Hospice, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Callaghan
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D012196:Review Literature as Topic