Theoretical sensitivity

Strauss, Anselm and Corbin, Juliet, 1990. Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques. Newbury Park, CA and London: Sage Publications.Theoretical Sensitivity, 41-47.Techniques for Enhancing Theoretical Sensitivity, 75-95.Theoretical Sampling, 176-193 (includes Definition of Terms).

Theoretical sensitivity

Definition (41-41)

Theoretical sensitivity refers to a personal quality of the researcher It indicates an awareness of the subtleties of meaning of data. One can come to the research situation with varying degrees of sensitivity depending upon previous reading and experience with or relevant to an area. It can also be development further during the research process. Theoretical sensitivity refers to the attribute of having insight, the ability to give meaning to data the capacity to understand, and capability to separate the pertinent from that which isnt. All this is done in conceptual rather than concrete terms. It is theoretical sensitivity that allows one to develop a theory that is grounded, conceptually dense, and well integrated and it do this more quickly than if this sensitivity were lacking.

Theoretical sensitivity

Sources of Theoretical Sensitivity

Research literatureProfessional experience if one is fortunate to have had this experiencePersonal experienceAim to discover and think about differences, variations

Theoretical sensitivity

Literature

To sensitize you to what is going on with the phenomenon you are studying

Theoretical sensitivity

Professional experience if one is fortunate to have such experience

Advantage -- e.g. a nurse has rich knowledge base and insight available to draw uponDisadvantage can also block you from seeing things that have become routine or obvious

Theoretical sensitivity

Personal experience

Advantage for understandingBut we need to careful not to assume that anothers experience is similar to oursAim always to think about and discover differences, variations

Theoretical sensitivity

Analytic process

As you interact with the data, think of being in a dialogue with the data, in a conversation with your data

Constant comparative method

Local theories think about developing local theories

To develop your local theory your interpretation, your understanding, you will want to look at the data again

To look for interactions between data, between different sources of information, between different times

Theoretical sensivity means continually increasing sensitivity to concepts, their meanings and relationships

To give insight and also to see the boundaries of your understanding as it evolves (theoretical understanding)

Theoretical sensitivity

Periodically step back and ask: what is going on here? Does what I think, fit the reality of the data?Maintain an attitude of reflection or skepticismIn other words be your own criticConsider alternative interpretationsConsider whether an interpretation opposite to yours can be made from the same data (one way to take up the falsifiability principle, in interpretative and qualitative research)