Harmonizing Theory and Experimentation: Unveiling the Potential of Multi-Grounded Theory

چکیده مقاله

Abstract

There is fundamental turmoil and instability in research in the field of sports sciences in two quantitative and qualitative research methods, leading to the expansion of theoretical and empirical knowledge in this area. Since qualitative research can be conducted through positivist or critical approaches, the researcher must clarify their research philosophy and articulate their epistemological approach before anything else. In this regard, the theoretical methodological approach has not been exempt from these changes in sociology and sports management. This approach, characterized by its use of intuitionism in analyzing social phenomena, is also employed in this field. It provides a basis for criticism and has spawned several background theories. The Multi-Grounded Theory (MGT) was introduced to prevent reductionism tendencies in theoretical frameworks and attempts to integrate intuitive and reductionist analytical methods within the framework of Hegelian thesis and antithesis. Therefore, it can be concluded that authors in the Multi-Grounded Theory (MGT) go beyond pure inductive approach in Grounded Theory (GT) and explicitly incorporate external theories. Researchers are expected to delve into complex layers of the studied phenomenon and ultimately, with consideration of theoretical backgrounds and the completion of new concepts, be able to benefit from this method in theory generation. The scholarly outcome of this study is to introduce a new and integrative approach for analyzing phenomena related to the field of sports in sociology and sports management. This theory enables students and researchers to draw from various theoretical backgrounds and incorporate new concepts to offer new theories in the field of sports science, considering the breadth and complexity of the studied phenomena. This can lead to the advancement of knowledge and improvement of research methods in sports management, aiding the development of various sectors within this field.