Grounded Theory

Suggested Citation: Underwood, C; Ernst, J. (2023). "Grounded Theory Methodology in Action: Utilizing Member Checking to Co-Construct Knowledge." North American Association for Environmental Education Research Symposium, Virtual Live Workshop.

This session was presented virtually at the 2023 NAAEE Research Symposium.

Member checking is integral to qualitative research (Creswell & Miller, 2000), yet very little has been written about it as a research procedure (Candela, 2019). However, member checking has the potential to benefit study participants as a reflective exercise with therapeutic benefits (Harper & Cole, 2012). Further, through the member-checking process utilized in the inquiry at hand, participants reported a deepened sense of connection with their community, new insights into their professional practice, and excitement for future participation in qualitative research, all of which were unexpected outcomes of the research process. Therefore, member checking ought not to be seen as something to check off one’s list but a deeply impactful part of the research process, particularly when the aim is authentic co-creation of knowledge, as is the case in constructivist approaches to Grounded Theory.