Creating and Sustaining Transparency in Information Systems Research: the Classic Grounded Theory Methodology (CGTM) perspective

Abstract

The Classic Grounded Theory [CGT] research method reveals latent patterns of human behavior. It is a general research methodology because it uses both qualitative and quantitative data. CGT’s main objective is to discover a robust, empirically derived hypothesis or core variable. The core variable captures the respondents' main concern. It is so called because the core variable explains most of the variation in the data. A particular feature of the CGT research method is that it is transcendent of both time and place. This is because CGT delivers a conceptual explanation rather than a low-level, descriptive, context-based narrative. As the number of researchers using CGT increases, so does the potential for more confusion regarding the legitimate criteria for its evaluation. To help eliminate confusion, this paper investigates how to create and sustain transparency when using the Classic Grounded Theory research method. This will hopefully enable researchers, supervisors, and their respective institutions to make more informed decisions about evaluating research that has used the CGT methodology