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Grounded Theory - Definition, History, Types, Method, Features, Benefits, Limitations And More!

Last Updated on Jan 08, 2024
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Grounded Theory is a research approach that helps us understand and develop theories based on real-world data. It is used to explore and explain social phenomena in a systematic and rigorous way. Let's dive into what Grounded Theory is all about.

This article constitutes a significant part of the UPSC IAS exam. Take a step further in your UPSC preparation by enrolling in UPSC coaching and unlock exceptional results.

What is Grounded Theory?

Grounded theory is a qualitative research methodology that aims to build theory through data. It involves systematically gathering and analyzing qualitative data to generate a theory grounded in that data. 

Grounded Theory is a method of research where theories emerge from the data itself rather than being imposed from existing theories or preconceived ideas. Researchers collect and analyze data to identify patterns, concepts, and relationships, which then form the basis for developing new theories.

History of Grounded Theory

Grounded Theory was developed in the 1960s by two sociologists, Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss. They created Grounded Theory while they were researching how patients deal with dying in hospitals.

Glaser had the idea to make theories based on real data instead of making theories first and then finding data to match them. Strauss added that theories should come from constantly comparing all the information collected.

In 1967, they wrote a book called 'The Discovery of Grounded Theory.' It talked about how to make theories by studying people's actions, words, and records. This book showed other researchers how to collect and analyze information without deciding what to find before starting.

Their idea of making theories from real data helped make qualitative research more accepted. It also helped researchers learn new ways to study social problems without using statistics. Since then, many researchers from different areas have used Grounded Theory.

Core Elements of Grounded Theory

The core elements of grounded theory are:

  • Inductive approach - Grounded theory is inductive, meaning the theories emerge from the data rather than testing pre-existing hypotheses.
  • Constant comparison - Researchers compare data to emerging categories and patterns throughout the study to move toward theory development.
  • Theoretical sampling - Data collection is guided by the emerging theory, not preplanned. Researchers determine what data to collect next based on what will most contribute theoretically.
  • Emergent design - The research design evolves over time based on what is discovered in the data. The researcher remains flexible.
  • Coding - Data is broken down, analyzed and coded through open, axial and selective coding to identify themes and relationships.
  •  Memo writing - Researchers document their insights, ideas and reflections about the data and emerging theory through memos.
  • Analytical integration - The concepts and categories identified in the data are organized into a theoretical framework that integrates them and forms an explanation.

Read Here About the Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research!

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Types of Grounded Theory

The following are some of the major types of grounded theory.

Classic Grounded Theory

  • In this type, theories are developed through an inductive process, starting with the collection and analysis of data.
  • Researchers continuously compare and analyze the data to identify concepts and relationships, allowing theories to emerge gradually.

Straussian Grounded Theory

  • This type focuses on social processes and actions, aiming to understand how people interact and behave within social contexts.
  • Researchers may use pre-existing concepts and theories as a starting point and then modify or refine them based on the data collected.

Constructivist Grounded Theory

  • This type emphasizes understanding multiple subjective realities and perspectives.
  • Researchers actively engage in interpreting and analyzing the data, considering their own perspectives and biases during theory development.

Read About Types of Research in Psychology Here!

Salient Features of Grounded Theory

Here are the salient features of Grounded Theory:

  • The theory is created based on real data collected from people instead of finding data to support a pre-existing theory.
  • The researcher collects data and analyzes it at the same time instead of collecting all data first before analyzing it.
  • Important ideas and concepts are identified from the data and grouped into categories. This is done without using existing ideas.
  • The data, codes and categories are constantly compared with each other to find similarities and connections.
  • More data is collected based on the emerging ideas and categories to understand them better. This helps refine the categories.
  • A main category emerges that ties together other categories and explains what is happening. The theory is developed around this core category.
  • Notes are written by the researcher to explain ideas and how categories are related. This helps develop the final theory.
  • There are steps like coding, constant comparison and sampling that make the process systematic and grounded in the data.

Learn more about the Cyclical Theory of History!

How to Use Grounded Theory?

Data Collection

  • Researchers purposefully select participants who can provide relevant insights.
  • Techniques such as interviews, observations, and document analysis are used to gather data.

Data Analysis

  • Open coding is used to identify initial concepts and categories within the data.
  • Axial coding is performed to establish relationships and connections between these concepts.
  • Selective coding involves integrating the concepts into a comprehensive theory.

Constant Comparison

  • Researchers continually compare new data with existing codes and concepts, refining and modifying the emerging theory accordingly.

Theoretical Sampling

  • Researchers purposefully select additional participants or data to further develop and validate the emerging concepts and theories.

Saturation

  • Saturation is reached when collecting new data no longer adds significant insights to the emerging theory, indicating theoretical completeness.

Learn more about the Challenge And Response Theory!

Benefits of Grounded Theory
  • Theories are created directly from real data instead of trying to fit data to existing ideas.
  • It can be adapted to many types of research topics and situations easily.
  • Spending a lot of time on data allows gaining a thorough knowledge of the topic.
  • It helps discover novel ideas and conceptual frameworks for understanding a phenomenon.
  • Seeking to understand things within their real-world context and surroundings.
  • Helps create applicable theories that can inform practical solutions to problems.
  • It effectively captures how people themselves see and experience things.
  • It can work with interviews, observations, documents, or other types of qualitative data.
  • Theories developed may contradict existing theories and knowledge.

Learn more about the Downward Filtration Theory!

Limitations of Grounded Theory
  • The iterative process of collecting and analysing data takes a lot of time. The constant comparison makes it lengthy.
  • The interpretations are influenced by the researcher's own views, which are difficult to remove completely.
  • There are no fixed or standardized steps, so it is challenging for another researcher to replicate the study exactly.
  • Open-ended questions in interviews make deciding when to stop data collection challenging.
  • The theories generated can be open to different understandings and interpretations.
  • It does not aim to produce number-based results like statistics or quantify things.

Learn more about the John Rawls Theory of Justice!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Grounded Theory is a research approach where theories emerge from the data collected and analyzed. It offers a systematic way to understand social phenomena and develop theories based on empirical evidence.

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Grounded Theory FAQs

Grounded Theory is a research approach where theories are developed based on data collected and analyzed during the research process.

Theories in Grounded Theory emerge from the data itself, rather than being imposed from pre-existing theories or ideas.

The types of Grounded Theory include Classic Grounded Theory, Straussian Grounded Theory, and Constructivist Grounded Theory.

Data analysis in Grounded Theory involves processes like open coding, axial coding, and selective coding to identify concepts, relationships, and develop theories.

Saturation refers to the point in research where collecting new data no longer provides significant insights or adds to the emerging theory, indicating theoretical completeness.
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