title: Reflecting on the challenges of choosing and using a grounded theory approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore three different approaches to grounded theory and consider some of the possible philosophical assumptions underpinning them.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Grounded theory is a comprehensive yet complex methodology that offers a procedural structure that guides the researcher. However, divergent approaches to grounded theory present dilemmas for novice researchers seeking to choose a suitable research method.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a methodology paper.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a reflexive paper that explores some of the challenges experienced by a PhD student when choosing and operationalising a grounded theory approach.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Before embarking on a study, novice grounded theory researchers should examine their research beliefs to assist them in selecting the most suitable approach. This requires an insight into the approaches' philosophical assumptions, such as those pertaining to ontology and epistemology. Researchers need to be clear about the philosophical assumptions underpinning their studies and the effects that different approaches will have on the research results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper presents a personal account of the journey of a novice grounded theory researcher who chose a grounded theory approach and worked within its theoretical parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Novice grounded theory researchers need to understand the different philosophical assumptions that influence the various grounded theory approaches, before choosing one particular approach.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, Ireland.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Markey
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tilki
authors.forename: Georgina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003657:Decision Making; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D012107:Research Design
keywords: Grounded theory; classic grounded theory; data collection; epistemology; methodology; ontology; research design