Jessica is proposing a grounded theory study of Professional Development Schools as her dissertation. She provides a research plan to her committee members. Of the following, which is likely true of her research plan?
A) Her plan includes stated hypothesis.
B) Her plan includes operational definitions for variables of interest.
C) Her plan is flexible to meet the needs of the context and setting.
D) Her plan includes a description of the statistics that will be conducted.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Grounded theory research is used to develop theories through the analysis of data. It is an iterative process that does not start with a hypothesis, but instead emerges from the data. Therefore, it is unlikely that Jessica's research plan includes stated hypotheses. However, operational definitions for variables of interest are likely necessary, as grounded theory studies are still focused on identifying relationships between concepts. Additionally, grounded theory research is typically flexible to meet the needs of the context and setting. A description of the statistics to be conducted is not necessarily relevant, as grounded theory research is focused on developing theories, rather than testing them.

Jessica Is Proposing a Grounded Theory Study of Professional Development