THE USE OF CONSTRUCTIVIST GROUNDED THEORY METHOD IN RESEARCH: ADOLESCENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.

This study employs the constructivist grounded theory method introduced by Kathy Charmaz. This method is also a component of grounded theory. The purpose of this study is to examine how the constructivist grounded theory method can assist in researching adolescents' attitudes towards post-secondary education. Future researchers are advised to delay the use of literature in the early chapters. The study adopts a qualitative approach using the CGT method and includes semi-structured interviews to gather information from participants for the development of substantive theory. A total of 30 participants were involved in the study. Data was analyzed using initial coding and focused coding methods and supported by ATLAS.ti software. The findings indicate that adolescents themselves are the key to the strategies implemented. The researcher identified four main themes: perspective, attitude, strategy, and outcome, thus enabling the construction of substantive theory based on these themes. The strategies employed were successful in helping adolescents pursue further education with positive results. The implications of these findings can also be related to existing theories such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Theory.