3.6.1 ‘Knowing when you’re there’ – achieving theoretical saturation in grounded theory (313)
Claire Taylor, Lecturer, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom gillian.taylor@kcl.ac.uk
Abstract:
In grounded theory, the researcher can not predict at the outset of the study, how many people or groups of people will need to be sampled during the entire study. Theoretical saturation is the key factor that determines when data collection can end (Glaser, 1992). Saturation is recognisable when the addition of further data yields no extra information to the properties of the categories already developed. Saturation thus helps prevent gaps in the theory thereby developing a diverse whilst dense theory and creating confidence and dependability in the study findings. This presentation will elaborate on the above, illustrating its application, timing and purpose with reference to a grounded theory study investigating recovery after cancer surgery. The criteria for determining saturation will be discussed and also compared with other research approaches. Finally the importance of theoretical saturation in the development of a grounded theory will be highlighted.
Recommended reading list:
- Glaser, B. (1992). Basics of grounded theory analysis. Mill Valley, CA, Sociology Press
Source of Funding: UK - Research Charity/Foundation
Level of funding: 1,000 - 10,000
Biography:
I have been a nurse for twenty years. I currently work at the Burdett Institute as a Lecturer in Gastrointestinal Nursing, based at St Marks’ Hospital Harrow and in association with King’s College London. Formerly I worked for Macmillan Cancer Support for ten years, both as a lecturer and also a Macmillan Colorectal Cancer Nurse Specialist. My particular interests have been patient information, support at diagnosis and more recently follow-up. I have successfully completed a PhD investigating the process of recovery following curative surgery for colorectal cancer.