Grounded Theory Research: Unveiling the Underlying Structures of Human Experience

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Grounded theory research is a qualitative methodology that aims to generate or discover a theory through the collection and analysis of data. Unlike traditional research methods that begin with a hypothesis, grounded theory starts with data collection and uses it to develop theories grounded in real-world observations. This approach is particularly valuable in social sciences, where understanding complex human behaviors and interactions is essential.

Origins and Evolution

Grounded theory was developed in the 1960s by sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss. Their seminal work, The Discovery of Grounded Theory (1967), introduced a new approach to qualitative research that emphasized the generation of theory from data. This was a departure from the traditional positivist approach, which often tested existing theories through quantitative methods.

Over the decades, grounded theory has evolved, with Glaser and Strauss eventually diverging in their approaches. Glaser’s approach remains more aligned with the original inductive methodology, while Strauss, along with Juliet Corbin, introduced a more structured and systematic method of coding and analyzing data, as detailed in their book Basics of Qualitative Research.

Core Principles

Grounded theory is built on several core principles:

1. Theoretical Sensitivity: Researchers must be open to understanding the subtleties and nuances in the data, allowing theories to emerge naturally without preconceived notions.
2. Simultaneous Data Collection and Analysis: Data collection and analysis occur concurrently, allowing for constant comparison and theory refinement throughout the research process.
3. Coding: This involves breaking down data into discrete parts, closely examining and comparing these parts, and grouping them into categories. Strauss and Corbin’s approach includes three types of coding: open, axial, and selective.
4. Memo-Writing: Researchers write memos throughout the research process to document their thoughts, hypotheses, and theoretical ideas, aiding in the development and refinement of the emerging theory.
5. Theoretical Sampling: Data collection is guided by the emerging theory, with researchers seeking out new data to fill gaps and refine categories until theoretical saturation is achieved.
6. Constant Comparison: Each piece of data is compared with others to identify patterns and variations, ensuring the theory is deeply rooted in the data.

Conducting Grounded Theory Research

1. Initial Data Collection: Researchers begin by collecting data through various qualitative methods, such as interviews, observations, and document analysis. The goal is to gather rich, detailed information about the phenomenon under study.
2. Open Coding: During this initial phase, researchers break down the data into smaller parts, labeling and categorizing each segment. This process helps identify initial patterns and themes.
3. Axial Coding: Here, researchers focus on reassembling the data by identifying relationships between categories. This involves linking subcategories to main categories, often through a process of identifying causal conditions, contexts, strategies, and consequences.
4. Selective Coding: Researchers integrate and refine the categories to develop a coherent theory. This final phase involves selecting the core category around which the other categories are organized, refining relationships, and validating the theory against the data.
5. Theoretical Saturation: Researchers continue collecting and analyzing data until no new information or categories emerge. This indicates that the theory is well-developed and grounded in the data.

Applications and Impact

Grounded theory has been widely used across various fields, including sociology, psychology, education, nursing, and business. Its flexibility and inductive nature make it particularly useful for exploring new or complex phenomena where existing theories may not adequately explain the data.

For example, in healthcare, grounded theory has been used to understand patient experiences, the dynamics of healthcare teams, and the development of health policies. In education, it has helped uncover the processes of learning and teaching, student motivation, and curriculum development.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its strengths, grounded theory is not without its challenges and criticisms. Some researchers argue that the method can be too subjective, as the researcher’s interpretations play a significant role in data analysis. Others point out that the iterative nature of data collection and analysis can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Additionally, the divergence in methodologies between Glaser and Strauss has led to debates about the “correct” way to conduct grounded theory research. Researchers must navigate these differing approaches and determine which best fits their study’s goals and context.

Conclusion

Grounded theory research offers a robust framework for generating theories that are deeply rooted in empirical data. Its emphasis on inductive reasoning and iterative analysis allows researchers to uncover the underlying structures of human experience and behavior. While it presents certain challenges, its flexibility and depth make it an invaluable tool in the qualitative research arsenal. By remaining grounded in the data, researchers can develop theories that offer meaningful insights and contribute to a deeper understanding of complex social phenomena.

References

Breckenridge, J., & Jones, D. (2009). Demystifying theoretical sampling in grounded theory research. Grounded Theory Review, 8(2).

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Dougherty, D. (2017). Grounded theory research methods. The Blackwell companion to organizations, 849-866.

Dunne, C. (2011). The place of the literature review in grounded theory research. International journal of social research methodology, 14(2), 111-124.

Holton, J. A. (2008). Grounded theory as a general research methodology. The grounded theory review, 7(2), 67-93.

McGhee, G., Marland, G. R., & Atkinson, J. (2007). Grounded theory research: literature reviewing and reflexivity. Journal of advanced nursing, 60(3), 334-342.

Oktay, J. S. (2012). Grounded theory. Oxford University Press.

Sharma, S. N., & Adeoye, M. A. (2024). New Perspectives on Transformative Leadership in Education. EduPedia Publications Pvt Ltd.