Journal article
Using a grounded theory approach to study online collaboration behaviors
European journal of information systems, v 22(1)
01 Jan 2013
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
This paper discusses how an interpretive theory of action was explored and developed through iterative cycles of grounded theory generation. We establish our motivation for employing the grounded theory method in an area that is overflowing with theories of learning, then move on to the practicalities of generating an interpretive grounded theory by following the 'vapor trails' left by online learners. We describe how we incorporated the use of mixed methods into an interpretive grounded theory process, with a theoretical sampling strategy that used 'complementary comparison' to feed back into a new cycle of constant comparison. We discuss how constant comparison may be enhanced by researcher debate around emerging themes and categories, co-coding of data samples, coding of researcher theoretical memos, and reflection-in-action during explicit explanations of coding schemes to research assistants and the review of research process memos. Finally, we discuss how and why the substantive theory of action that was generated by this process provides an original contribution to theories of collaborative online learning by accounting for both visible and invisible learning strategies that explain the role of thought-leaders in a community of inquiry and account for vicarious learning. European Journal of Information Systems (2013) 22, 95-118. doi:10.1057/ejis.2011.24; published online 5 July 2011
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Details
- Title
- Using a grounded theory approach to study online collaboration behaviors
- Creators
- Susan Gasson - Drexel UniversityJim Waters - Cabrini University
- Publication Details
- European journal of information systems, v 22(1)
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 24
- Grant note
- 235317 / National Science Foundation; National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- [Retired Faculty]
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000311714100007
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-84870279069
- Other Identifier
- 991019167333904721
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- Web of Science research areas
- Computer Science, Information Systems
- Information Science & Library Science
- Management