Design Your Classic Grounded Theory Study & Write a Prospectus in 12 Weeks

A step-by-step intensive for beginners who want to move from uncertainty to a clear, defensible research plan—ready for ethics approval and data collection.

Next Cohort Starting May 4

Apply for the Next Cohort

No prior experience required

Designed for first-time CGT researchers

Build a complete research prospectus

Struggling to Get Started with Classic Grounded Theory?

If you're new to Classic Grounded Theory, you may be:

  • Unsure how to design a study that aligns with CGT principles
  • Confused by conflicting grounded theory approaches
  • Struggling to turn your idea into a research prospectus
  • Worried your methodology won’t hold up under review
  • Delaying your study because you don’t feel confident
This is where many researchers get stuck.

A Clear, Structured Path from Beginner to Research-Ready

This 12-week intensive gives you a guided, step-by-step process for designing a Classic Grounded Theory study and developing a research prospectus.

You won’t be left figuring things out on your own. Each week builds toward a clear outcome—so you make steady, meaningful progress.

By the End of 12 Weeks, You Will Have:

A Complete Prospectus

A fully developed Classic Grounded Theory research prospectus

A Defensible Study Design

Aligned with Classic Grounded Theory principles & ready for review

Practical Skills

Experience with open coding, memoing, & constant comparison

Confidence to Begin

Clarity to start data collection without second-guessing

You won’t just learn the method—you’ll be ready to begin your study.

What the 12 Weeks Look Like

Weeks 1-3

Foundations & study design

Weeks 4-7

Coding, memoing, & constant comparative analysis

Weeks 8-10

Refining your study & developing your prospectus

Weeks 11-12

Finalizing your document & preparing for next steps

Each stage builds directly toward completing your research prospectus.

Why This Intensive Is Different

Focused on Classic GT

No mixing of approaches or conflicting guidance

Designed for Beginners

No prior experience assumed

Practice - Oriented

You produce real work each week

Outcome - Focused

You leave with a usable research prospectus

What’s Included

  • 12 weeks of structured instruction
  • Step-by-step progression from idea to prospectus
  • Coding and memoing practice exercises
  • Prospectus templates and guidance
  • Example materials
  • Access to expert instruction
  • Optional feedback (if applicable)
  • Peer learning environment

Is this right for you?

This Is For You If…

  • You are new to Classic Grounded Theory
  • You are planning a qualitative study
  • You need to develop a research prospectus
  • You want a clear, structured path

This Is NOT For You If…

  • You are looking for advanced theory development
  • You have already completed a CGT study
  • You cannot commit time each week

Learn from an Expert in Classic Grounded Theory


Kara L. Vander Linden

Dr. Vander Linden is an interdisciplinary researcher, educator, mentor, and lifelong learner. She is the founder and executive director of the Institute for Research and Theory Methodologies (RTM) and the Director of the Glaser Center for Grounded Theory. Dr. Kara Vander Linden also teaches research and supervises classic grounded theory dissertations at Saybrook University. She has been supervising grounded theory research for over 20 years. 

Dr. Vander Linden earned a doctorate in education from Fielding Graduate University (Santa Barbara, CA) with specializations in grounded theory, grounded action, and higher education leadership. She earned a master’s in special education from the University of North Carolina (Charlotte, NC) and a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Queens University (Charlotte, NC).

PRICING

$200 monthly

($600 total)

STANDARD

  • Full 12-week program
  • Templates & materials
  • Structured progression
  • Support & guidance

$300 monthly

($900 total)

ULTIMATE

Everything in Standard, plus...

  • Individualized review of prospectus & private consultation
  • Glaserian Classic Grounded Theory - International Association Membership for continued support

Limited to 12 participants

FAQs

Do I need prior experience?

No. This is designed for beginners.

How much time per week?

2–4 hours on average.

Will I complete my prospectus?

Yes, the program is structured to guide you through it step by step.

Is this live or self-paced?

There will be live weekly sessions. 

Will I receive feedback?

You will receive verbal feedback during the group calls. Individualized written and verbal feedback is provided for those who register for the ultimate package.

Ready to Design Your Study and Begin Your Research?

Apply for the Next Cohort - Starting May 4

Apply now