What is Grounded Theory?
Grounded theory is a systematic methodology in the social sciences involving the construction of theory from data. This approach was first developed in the 1960s by two sociologists, Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss. The theory is “grounded” in that it is derived from data collected from participants in the study.
Grounded theory is most commonly used for qualitative research, and it is a popular method for developing theories about social phenomena. This method allows researchers to develop theories that are based on data rather than assumptions or guesswork.
Grounded Theory Definition
Grounded theory can be defined as a method of analyzing qualitative data in order to generate a theory based on the data. This theory is then used to explain the phenomenon being studied. The process involves collecting data, coding it, and then analyzing it to generate a theoretical explanation.
The data is collected through interviews, observations, and other methods. Then, the data is coded into categories. These categories are then used to generate a theory that explains the phenomenon being studied. The theory is “grounded” in the data, which means it is based on the data rather than assumptions or guesswork.
Steps of Grounded Theory
Grounded theory involves a number of steps. These steps are designed to ensure that the theory is based on the data, rather than assumptions or guesswork.
1. Collect data: The first step is to collect data from participants in the study. This can be done through interviews, observations, or other methods.
2. Code data: The data is then coded into categories. These categories are based on patterns or themes in the data.
3. Analyze data: The coded data is then analyzed to generate a theoretical explanation. The theory is based on the data, rather than assumptions or guesswork.
4. Test theory: The theory is then tested to see if it is valid.
Benefits of Grounded Theory
Grounded theory has many benefits. It allows researchers to develop theories that are based on data rather than assumptions or guesswork. This method also allows researchers to analyze data in a systematic way and generate a theory that explains the phenomenon being studied.
Grounded theory is also useful for testing hypotheses. By testing a theory derived from the data, researchers can determine whether their hypotheses are valid or not. This helps researchers gain a better understanding of the phenomenon being studied.
Grounded theory is also beneficial for developing new theories. By analyzing the data, researchers can develop theories that explain a phenomenon in new and interesting ways.
Finally, grounded theory is a useful method for qualitative research. It allows researchers to develop theories that are based on data rather than assumptions or guesswork. This method also allows researchers to analyze data in a systematic way and generate a theory that explains the phenomenon being studied.
Conclusion
Grounded theory is a systematic methodology in the social sciences involving the construction of theory from data. This method allows researchers to develop theories that are based on data rather than assumptions or guesswork. This method also allows researchers to analyze data in a systematic way and generate a theory that explains the phenomenon being studied. Grounded theory is useful for testing hypotheses and developing new theories. It is a useful method for qualitative research and can help researchers gain a better understanding of the phenomenon being studied.
For further reading, please visit this article from qualitative-research.net, this article from sagepub.com, and this article from researchgate.net.
