Table of Contents
- Historical Background
- Core Principles of Grounded Theory
- Methodological Procedures
- Applications of Grounded Theory
- Strengths and Limitations
- Conclusion
Grounded theory is a systematic methodology in the social sciences involving the construction of theories through methodical gathering and analysis of data. Unlike other research methodologies that start with a hypothesis, grounded theory begins with a question, allowing the theory to emerge from the data itself. This approach was first introduced by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in their seminal work, “The Discovery of Grounded Theory” (1967). Grounded theory has since become a cornerstone in qualitative research, offering a rigorous and flexible method for understanding complex social phenomena.
Historical Background
The Emergence of Grounded Theory
Grounded theory emerged in the 1960s as a response to the limitations of existing sociological research methods. At the time, sociological research was dominated by quantitative methods that often relied heavily on preconceived hypotheses and structured data collection. Glaser and Strauss were critical of this approach, arguing that it constrained researchers and limited the discovery of new insights. Their dissatisfaction led to the development of grounded theory, which emphasized the importance of generating theory from data rather than testing existing theories.
Key Influences
Several intellectual traditions influenced the development of grounded theory. Symbolic interactionism, with its focus on the meanings individuals attach to their social interactions, played a crucial role. Additionally, the pragmatist philosophy, particularly the works of John Dewey and George Herbert Mead, underscored the importance of understanding human behavior in its context. These influences shaped the grounded theory’s emphasis on context, process, and the iterative nature of theory development.
Core Principles of Grounded Theory
Theoretical Sensitivity
Theoretical sensitivity refers to the researcher’s ability to recognize and extract relevant data during the research process. It involves a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to see nuances and complexities in the data. This skill is developed through immersion in the field, continuous reflection, and engagement with the data. Theoretical sensitivity allows researchers to identify patterns and relationships that are not immediately obvious, leading to the development of a grounded theory.
Constant Comparative Method
The constant comparative method is a core component of grounded theory. It involves the continuous comparison of data with emerging categories and concepts throughout the research process. This iterative process ensures that the theory is firmly rooted in the data. Researchers constantly compare incidents, codes, and categories to refine and develop their theoretical framework. This method helps in identifying variations, similarities, and relationships within the data, ultimately leading to a robust and well-grounded theory.
Coding Process
The coding process in grounded theory is divided into three main stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Open coding involves breaking down the data into discrete parts and identifying initial categories. Axial coding then relates these categories to subcategories, specifying the properties and dimensions of each category. Finally, selective coding integrates and refines the categories to form a coherent theory. This systematic approach to coding ensures that the theory is deeply embedded in the data.
