2nd Edition
Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics Research A Practical Guide
In this revised and expanded second edition, Gregory Hadley unravels the often-tangled understanding among applied linguistics researchers regarding grounded theory, a widely recognized research methodology employed globally by social scientists, educators, and qualitative researchers.
This hands-on manual, specifically tailored for graduate students, supervisors, and researchers, not only clarifies the procedures and practical applications of grounded theory but also delves into the latest advancements, developments, and innovations in the field. The second edition offers a real-world guide that incorporates new techniques and approaches, thereby providing readers with a solid foundation and necessary skills to both effectively manage their field data and develop insightful theories with pedagogical implications for their learners. This book also offers effective strategies for explaining, justifying, and disseminating their theoretical insights to the applied linguistics community and beyond, making it a user-friendly resource for researchers in this dynamic domain. New activities and worksheets have been provided in order to lead readers toward higher levels of coding proficiency and mastery of the grounded theory method. This edition includes an expanded discussion on the importance of epistemology in qualitative research and a comprehensive exploration of contemporary grounded theories, and reveals some of the key strategies for the dissemination of grounded theory studies through conferences, papers, and monographs. Valuable insights and guidance are given for effectively communicating grounded theories within the confines of different venues. It will equip readers with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their grounded theory pursuits, and will provide insight as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of grounded theory research.
By harnessing the potential of the grounded theory method, readers will learn how to contribute meaningful insights to the applied linguistics community and related fields. This practical guidebook will be an indispensable resource for students and academics in applied linguistics.
Foreword
PART I: Understanding Grounded Theory
Introduction
The Emergence of Grounded Theory
Unlocking the Potential of Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics
The Need for this Book
Content Overview
On Style and Substance
1 Establishing Common Ground: Paradigms in Perspective
Toward Deeper Levels of Insight
Paradigms and Conceptual Metaphors
The Issue of Incommensurability
The Autopoiesis of Research Paradigms
Implications and Applications
Grounding Methodological Practices with Philosophical Insights
2 The Origins of Grounded Theory
Early Philosophical and Methodological Development
An Overview of Classic Grounded Theory
Diverging Paths
Conflict and Recriminations
External Critiques of Grounded Theory
Toward Equilibrium and Methodological Tolerance
3 Contemporary Grounded Theory
A Maturing Family of Methodologies
Dimensional Analysis
Constructivist Grounded Theory
Situational Analysis
Critical Grounded Theory
The Interconnected Nature of Grounded Theory Methodologies
Pause for Reflection
Comparing Grounded Theory with other Qualitative Research Methodologies
Toward Pragmatic Action
PART II: Doing Grounded Theory
4 Preliminary Decisions
Ethics, Ethical Review, and Ethicism
Gaining Access to Informants
Technical Decisions
Interview Transcripts
Packed for the Journey
5 Breaking New Ground Through Open Exploration
Wonder, Introspection, and Sensitivity
Observation, Note- Taking, and Early Coding
Repertory Grids
Conducting and Coding Qualitative Interviews
Memos
An Integrated Cycle of Exploration
6 Taking it to the Next Level: From Description to Theorization
Focused Coding
Conceptual Categories
Theoretical Coding
Getting to the Core
Theoretical Sufficiency
Summary
7 Spreading the Word: Theory Dissemination
Writing up Your Grounded Theory
Presenting Your Theory in Public
Summary
8 Final Thoughts
Taking Stock of What We Have Learned
Scanning the Horizon Ahead
Toward a Greater Contribution
Biography
Gregory Hadley is Professor of Sociolinguistics at Niigata University and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford. He has authored and edited key works on grounded theory and English language teaching, including Grounded Theory in Action and English for Academic Purposes in Neoliberal Universities.
"Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics Research is important for anyone who wants to understand grounded theory and grasp its vast potential for AL research. The book is engaging and challenging and will lead readers into an innovative arena for AL inquiry."
Rebecca Oxford, Book Review, Applied Linguistics 2018: 1–5"This accessible, practical guide is a superb starting point for any applied linguists hoping to employ GTM in their own work and for those interested in qualitative methodologies in general."
System, Volume 77, October 2018, 110-112
"Gregory Hadley provides an authoritative and insightful treatment of how grounded theory can be used for analytical purposes in applied linguistic research. Covering not only the history and philosophical underpinnings of grounded theory, but also its practical usage, the book is a reader-friendly guide for both novice and seasoned researchers. It should be compulsory reading for any serious qualitative research scholar who wishes to employ grounded theory in a rigorous manner."
Anne Burns, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
"This book provides a fascinating and very reader-friendly introduction to Grounded Theory, clears away some of the confusions surrounding it, critiques the debates and controversy that GT has sometimes aroused and provides a valuable hands-on guide for using Grounded Theory as a robust research methodology in applied linguistics."
Jack C. Richards, University of Sydney, University of Auckland, and Victoria University of Wellington
