Analysing data in a grounded theory study

To a novice researcher, the terminology used to analyse data in a grounded theory study may appear confusing. In this presentation, we examine a variety of terms used by well- known grounded theorists. We will illustrate with an example of data from a recent study, how theoretical sensitivity was achieved through 'dancing with data'. Additionally utilising Charmaz' terms of analysis, data will be sorted into initial codes, using gerunds, then further collapsed into focused codes and finally grouped into categories. Axial codes will be demonstrated and the process of abstraction discussed. By using real data the interplay between coding and categorisation will be demonstrated with the constant comparative method. Although computer programmes exist to aid in coding and categorising, we extol the use of highlighters and codes written on paper, to sift sort and saturate them into categories. Finally we will tell the story from the data