Grounded Theory & Grounded Action Research Fellowship

Develop Methodological Mastery. Conduct Meaningful Research. Become a Research Fellow.

The RTM Grounded Theory and Grounded Action Research Fellowship is a two-year, mentored research program designed for doctoral students at the dissertation stage, researchers, and academics seeking to develop deep expertise in classic grounded theory and grounded action. This is not a general methods course. It is a structured pathway to methodological competence, independent research, and publication-quality scholarship focused on classic grounded theory and grounded action.

Classic grounded theory is a research method used to generate theories about patterns of human behavior that are grounded in data that has been collected from people within the topic area. The resulting theory identifies a main concern of those within the topic area as discovered through data collection and analysis and patterns of behavior used to address this concern.

Grounded action, as an application and extension of classic grounded theory, is a research method that enables researchers and practitioners to design and implement practical actions that are research and theory-based to address complex societal, organizational, and client issues and problems.

The Grounded Theory and Grounded Action Post Doc and Doctoral Fellowship provides training and mentoring on conducting grounded theory and grounded action research.

Who This Fellowship Is For People

This program is designed for individuals who are:

Approaching or entering the dissertation phase of a doctoral program 

Seeking methodological clarity in classic grounded theory or grounded action

Committed to producing rigorous, high-quality research

Looking for sustained mentorship, not one-time training

Interested in joining a global community of methodologically focused researchers

What Makes This Fellowship Distinct

Most research training programs prioritize content coverage. This fellowship prioritizes methodological development through doing.

Key differentiators:

  • Two-year structured progression from training → research → publication
  • Mentorship from leading experts in classic grounded theory and grounded action
  • Small-group engagement for individualized feedback
  • Integration of theory and practice throughout the research process
  • Clear pathway to recognition as an RTM Research Fellow

Fellowship Structure

Year 1: Methodological Training & Research Design

The first year focuses on building a strong methodological foundation while developing your research study.

Participants will:

  • Develop a research question aligned with classic grounded theory or grounded action
  • Design a full research protocol
  • Prepare and submit ethics (IRB) applications
  • Engage in structured methodological training through readings and guided discussion
  • Participate in monthly small-group video sessions with a research mentor
  • Receive ongoing feedback on research design decisions

By the end of Year 1, participants are fully prepared to begin data collection.

Year 2: Research, Analysis, & Publication

The second year is dedicated to conducting and completing your study.

Participants will:

  • Collect and analyze data using classic grounded theory or grounded action
  • Engage in ongoing mentorship during coding and analysis
  • Develop theoretical insights grounded in data
  • Write a manuscript suitable for publication
  • Participate in RTM scholarly events, including:
    • Conferences
    • Symposiums
    • Webinars

By the end of Year 2, participants will have completed a research project and publication-ready article.

Mentorship

A defining feature of this fellowship is direct mentorship from experienced grounded theorists.

Dr. Odis Simmons

  • Student of Glaser and Strauss (1970s)
  • Over 50 years of experience teaching grounded theory
  • Developer of grounded action

Dr. Kara Vander Linden

  • Student of Dr. Simmons
  • Over 20 years of experience teaching grounded theory
  • Specialist in training and mentoring researchers

Participants work closely with mentors in small groups, allowing for:

  • Individualized methodological guidance
  • Feedback on analytic decisions
  • Support through challenges in the research process

Outcomes

Participants who successfully complete the fellowship will:

Demonstrate competence in Classic Grounded Theory or grounded action

Complete an original research study

Produce a publication-ready manuscript

Develop a strong methodological foundation for future research

Those who demonstrate high-quality scholarship and active engagement will be awarded the designation:

RTM Research Fellow, Institute for Research and Theory Methodologies

Community & Scholarly Engagement

Fellows become part of an international network of researchers committed to methodological rigor. Throughout the program, participants:

  • Engage with peers across disciplines
  • Participate in RTM-hosted academic events
  • Build professional connections within a specialized research community

Tution & Payment

Choose the right plan that works for you. No hidden fees.

$200/month

Year 1

$100/month

Year 2

We offer flexible payment options and partial scholarships are available for qualified applicants.

Schedule a call to discuss the program and the application process 

If you are ready to move beyond surface-level understanding and develop true methodological expertise, this fellowship provides the structure, mentorship, and community to support that process. 

Applications are now open. Schedule your call here:  Book time with Kara Vander Linden: Research Fellowship Information Call