Understanding Grounded Theory

INTRODUCTION Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning, and may be used to generate theories based on the coordination of findings and understandings.¹ To some, qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or “exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary to develop new theory.² Grounded theory is one qualitative research method that seeks to create theory from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the researcher collects information and draws conclusions from what is observed. According to Shank (2006), complex settings are best understood by starting at “ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory development process.¹

This article focuses on grounded theory research, which is based on a framework that emphasizes situations where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the setting under investigation, he must set aside what is already known and allow the situation to speak to him.¹ Many researchers find this difficult, and report that having the ability to conduct grounded theory research requires much time and effort to refine.¹

The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data; this theory is typically localized, dealing with a particular real-world situation or complex setting.³ Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in such disciplines as health sciences and education.² Grounded theory researchers believe that building a theory is just as important and valid as testing…