Grounded theory sampling: The contribution of reflexivity

Abstract

This paper explores the value of reflexivity for Glaserian grounded theory methodology, using examples drawn from experiences recruiting a sample for a doctoral research project. Reflexivity is highly relevant for grounded theory research due to its foundations in symbolic interactionism. In this study, reflexivity facilitated the identification of factors influencing sample recruitment at a process and a personal level. It provides a vehicle for the identification of the impact of self on the research relationship. Glaser’s (1978, 1992) early works situated personal experience within theoretical sensitivity, and as data to be included within constant comparative analysis method. His later writings (Glaser, 2001) explicitly reject reflexivity as a distraction from the data, seeing constant comparative analysis as having the ability to expose researcher effects on the data. He does not explore researcher influences on study recruitment. The analysis presented here suggests that the impact of the researcher at this stage of a project needs to become part of the research record(data) to ensure that its impact can be explored through constant comparative analysis. Reflectivity provides a framework through which this may be achieved.