Grounded theory is a qualitative research method that uses participant narratives to construct theoretical frameworks that explicate common psychosocial processes by which persons respond to or manage health, social, or organizational challenges.

Grounded theory is used in a wide variety of disciplines such as nursing, medicine, social work, business, education, and the social sciences to guide research on the dynamic ways in which persons and organizations respond to real-world problems. The findings of grounded theory studies often provide foundational information needed to develop psychosocial health interventions, promote strategies of social change, and initiate changes in organizational practices.

Attendees receive a didactic lecture on the tenets of grounded theory, an opportunity to frame a research question in their area of interest, a discussion of how to develop a grounded theory proposal, hands-on coding activities, and an activity focused on the critique of grounded theory research that will be due near the end of Summer Session 2, approximately August 1, 2024.

The session is applicable to professionals and students in the health and social sciences within the IU system, as well as from other universities or organizations.

Participants must be able to attend all days of the intensive. Single-day registration or participation is not permitted.

Claire Draucker, PhD, RN, FAAN, Angela Barron McBride Endowed Professorship in Mental Health Nursing, Indiana University School of Nursing

Dr. Draucker’s program of research has focused on how men and women heal from interpersonal violence throughout the lifespan. Dr. Draucker also has conducted research on pathways to mental healthcare for adolescents who experience mental health concerns and serves as a qualitative methods expert on a number of mixed-methods interventional studies. She has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health for studies that have used grounded theory methods. Dr. Draucker has received numerous awards for her work, receiving the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) Senior Scientist award in 2013, and in July 2019 she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

Recent attendees said...

“The speaker is very experienced in GT and open to share her works.”

“Dr. Draucker was wonderful; she led an interactive course that was challenging and enlightening.”

“She turned every question into an opportunity to teach.”

“I appreciated the dialogue from my fellow students as well as the camaraderie...Dr. Draucker helped lead the group to the right conclusions.”

“(Workshop was) directly applicable to my research question.”

“(I) have been able to better mentor students in selecting courses and methods that might more appropriately match their research interests.”