This course will take place over three mornings (10/13/25, 10/15/25, AND 10/17/25), 2.5 hours per morning, and will be offered via Zoom. Attendance is required as the course will not be recorded.

This course introduces participants to constructivist grounded theory (CGT). Grounded theory (GT) methods consist of flexible guidelines to fit particular research problems, not to apply mechanically. With these guidelines, you expedite and systematize data collection and analysis. GT methods can assist researchers in making their work more analytic, precise, and compelling.

In this course, following an exploration of the history and development of GT, we examine GT basic guidelines and major strategies, including initial line-by-line and focused coding, the use of gerunds, memoing, diagramming, theoretical sampling, and categorising. Throughout the sessions, there is an emphasis on CGT’s epistemological foundation and resultant adaptations to the research process, including regarding the literature review, researcher positionality/ies and reflexivity, and participant involvement.

The course will include a number of hands-on exercises to exemplify, and give participants an opportunity to practice, the strategies being discussed. For the coding exercise, you may bring and use some of your own qualitative data, or if you do not have data yet, some will be supplied. Clear guidelines and support are provided to course participants with regard to all aspects of CGT.

The sessions will utilise CGT readings and resources from Kathy Charmaz, Robert Thornberg, Adele Clarke, and myself, and will draw on the extensive scholarship of Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss. A pack of materials will be shared with participants in advance of the course. This course will be of interest to those doing full CGT studies but also to those who may be interested in learning about and potentially using some of the powerful GT strategies (such as coding) in studies with a different overall methodological approach.

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Digital Health: From the Academic World to the Real World

The Gillings Innovating Public Health Series and Eshelman Innovation feature Lee Ritterband, PhD, Jean and Ronald Butcher Eminent Scholars Professor at UVA School of Medicine and Director of the Center for Behavioral Health and Technology, for his talk, Digital Health: From the Academic World to the Real World. A leader in digital health interventions and co-founder of the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions and BeHealth Solutions, Ritterband will share insights on turning evidence-based digital health tools into real-world impact.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a pioneer in behavioral health technology. A reception with light refreshments will follow the seminar for those participating in-person at Kerr Hall, room 2001. If you'd prefer to participate virtually, register at unc.zoom.us/webinar/register.

in-person Registration