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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Fill-in pages for choosing your tradition, recording constant comparisons, writing memos, logging theoretical sampling, and tracking saturation category by category. We’ll email you the download link.
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.
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