What is grounded theory?
Grounded theory is a qualitative methodology for building a theory directly from data — rather than starting with a hypothesis and testing it. Through iterative coding, constant comparison, and memo-writing, you develop an explanatory theory that is “grounded” in what participants actually said. It’s the go-to when little theory exists yet and you want to explain a process.
The coding ladder
- Open coding — break the data into concepts, often line by line, staying close to participants’ words.
- Axial coding — relate categories and sub-categories; ask how concepts connect.
- Selective coding — integrate everything around a single core category that explains the most variation — that’s your theory.
What makes it grounded theory (not just coding)
- Constant comparison — continually compare new data to existing codes/categories so categories sharpen as you go.
- Theoretical sampling — let your emerging theory decide who/what to sample next, until theoretical saturation.
- Memo-writing — write analytic memos throughout; they become the backbone of your theory.
- Analysis and collection run together, not in separate phases.
Three variants — name yours
| Variant | Stance |
|---|---|
| Glaserian (classic) | Theory emerges; minimal preconception |
| Straussian (Strauss & Corbin) | More structured; a coding paradigm |
| Constructivist (Charmaz) | Data & theory co-constructed by researcher and participants |
They differ in philosophy and procedure, so state which you follow and cite it — examiners notice when “grounded theory” is used loosely to mean “I coded some interviews.”
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Frequently asked questions
What is grounded theory?
A methodology for generating theory from data (not testing one) via iterative coding, constant comparison, theoretical sampling, and memos.
Open vs axial vs selective coding?
Open = break data into concepts; axial = relate categories; selective = integrate around a core category to build the theory.
What is constant comparison?
Continually comparing new data to existing codes/categories so categories are refined as analysis and collection proceed together.
What are the variants?
Glaserian (classic), Straussian (structured), and Constructivist/Charmaz (co-constructed). Name and cite yours.