Evolving from a positivist to constructionist epistemology while using grounded theory: reflections of a novice researcher

Abstract

Specifying epistemology guiding health research provides evidence of a researcher’s worldview and thus the rationale for methodological choices. A challenging quagmire of epistemological options exists for the novice nurse researcher, often difficult to navigate, particularly in the absence of a philosophical grounding. During her doctoral journey, the first author (KW) explored living with overnight mask ventilation for sleep apnoea using a social constructionist grounded theory. Choosing this methodology required that KW reconcile her background in evidence-based nursing practice with the various theoretical legacies underpinning grounded theory. In this paper, the philosophical roots of both evidence-based nursing and grounded theory are explored. The influence that both context and the researcher’s relationship with their participants and data have upon knowledge construction is also considered. Parallels are drawn between a developing awareness of epistemology and the evolution of grounded theory research from positivism to social constructionism. This paper will assist novice researchers to consider assumptions about the origins of knowledge and subsequently be of help when choosing a research methodology.