Question

Consider the Ute Mountain Utes, a Native American tribe in Colorado. Tourism is a key part of that group's income. Suppose a national economic problem similar to the economic collapse of late 2008 greatly reduced tourism and derived income for this population. Would a grounded theory or a phenomenological approach be the more effective means to understand the influences of that event 5 years later? Why?

Answer 1

Phenomenological study focuses on people’s experience with regard to a particular phenomenon or event by understanding their perceptions. It helps one to understand how the subjects lived through that experience in their own words, thus making it more realistic. It elaborates the effect a particular phenomenon had on those who experienced it.

Grounded theory on the other hand studies the problem, understand the factors causing that problem, collects data from more people involved describes the phenomenon or problem. This theory is suitable for social problems that are new to the research field or those that received less attention. It doesn’t give any space for assumptions, instead, it works to identify the real problem taking a neutral stand.

The basic difference is that Grounded theory will understand the lives of the people in a better way as this problem is a new one and this problem was given little attention. It would also recommends action plans that would act as remedial measures in improving the conditions and preventing future problems.