RWJF - Qualitative Research Guidelines Project | Constant Comparative Method | Constant Comparative Method (2024)

FAQs

What is the constant comparative method in qualitative research? ›

Constant comparative method is a process developed by Glaser and Strauss and used in grounded theory, where you sort and organize excerpts of raw data into groups according to attributes, and organize those groups in a structured way to formulate a new theory.

The procedure of constant comparison includes several key steps: initial coding, where data is segmented into discrete parts; focused coding, where codes are synthesized and narrowed down; axial coding, where relationships between codes are established; and selective coding, which integrates the codes into a coherent ...

Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is a hybrid method designed to bridge the qualitative (case-oriented) and quantitative (variable-oriented) research gap and to serve as a practical approach for understanding complex, real-world situations (Ragin, 1987; Benoît Rihoux & Marx, 2013).

The constant comparative method is an inductive strategy in which researchers code the data, compare data with data and codes with codes, and eventually condense codes into categories, categories into themes, and themes into findings (Charmaz, 2014).

Comparative methods can be qualitative and quantitative.

It is based on identifying and analysing similarities and differences in linguistic features such as phonology, morphology, and vocabulary. D. The Comparative Method is an approach used to assess the grammatical rules and structures of different languages and establish their grammaticality in linguistic studies.

Qualitative data methods include content analysis, narrative analysis, discourse analysis, thematic analysis, and grounded theory analysis. Content analysis involves systematically analyzing text to identify patterns and themes. Narrative analysis interprets stories to understand customer feelings and behaviors.

There are various approaches to conducting thematic analysis, but the most common form follows a six-step process: familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and writing up.

The three most common qualitative methods, explained in detail in their respective modules, are participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups.

What are the four major qualitative research methods? ›

QCA starts with the documentation of the different configurations of conditions associated with each case of an observed outcome. These are then subject to a minimisation procedure that identifies the simplest set of conditions that can account for all the observed outcomes, as well as their absence.

The contant comparative method is a method for analyzing data in order to develop a grounded theory. Glaser and Strauss (1967) suggest that when used to generate theory, the comparative analytical method they describe can be applied to social units of any size.

Grounded theory uses the constant comparative method of data analysis, a method that involves comparing elements present in one data source (e.g., in one interview) with those in another.

a procedure for evaluating qualitative data in which the information is coded and compared across categories, patterns are identified, and these patterns are refined as new data are obtained.

A comparative analysis is a side-by-side comparison that systematically compares two or more things to pinpoint their similarities and differences. The focus of the investigation might be conceptual—a particular problem, idea, or theory—or perhaps something more tangible, like two different data sets.

Comparative analysis in quantitative research refers to the process of comparing different units of analysis, such as countries or time periods, in order to identify patterns, relationships, and factors that contribute to a particular phenomenon.

“Causal-comparative research is a methodology used to identify cause-effect relationships between independent and dependent variables. Researchers can study cause and effect in retrospect. This can help determine the consequences or causes of differences already existing among or between different groups of people.

As a stand-alone design, CCSs are most often used to explore similarities and differences across contexts, in which case they are likely to use mixed-methods: for instance, they may combine measures, surveys or QCA (to identify causal relationships) with process tracing (to explore possible explanations and to test ...