Grounded Theory (Glaser & Strauss)

Overview

Grounded Theory is a systematic methodology for constructing theory that is grounded in qualitative data. Through iterative cycles of data collection, coding, and comparison, the researcher develops concepts and categories that ultimately form an explanatory theory. The method was originally developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967) and later diverged into Glaserian (emergent) and Straussian (structured) variants.

When to Use

Building new theory when existing theories are inadequate or absent
Exploring processes, interactions, or experiences in under-studied domains
Generating substantive theory tied to a specific context
When the research question asks "what is going on here?" rather than testing a hypothesis

When NOT to Use

When testing or verifying an existing theory (use deductive methods)
When the research question requires measurement of frequency or magnitude
When the researcher cannot commit to iterative data collection (theoretical sampling requires flexibility)

Assumptions

IRON LAW: In grounded theory, theory EMERGES from data — imposing a
pre-existing framework violates the methodology's core principle. If
you begin with a hypothesis and seek confirmation, you are NOT doing
grounded theory.

Key assumptions:

Theory must be grounded in systematic data collection and analysis
Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously and iteratively
Theoretical sampling guides where to collect data next based on emerging categories
Theoretical saturation — not sample size — determines when to stop collecting data

Methodology

Step 1: Open Coding

Break data into discrete incidents, events, or ideas. Assign initial codes (labels) to each segment. Use in-vivo codes (participants' own words) where possible. Generate as many codes as the data warrant — do not filter prematurely.

Step 2: Axial Coding

Group open codes into higher-order categories. Identify relationships between categories using the coding paradigm: conditions, actions/interactions, and consequences. Build subcategories that specify when, where, why, and how a category manifests.

Step 3: Selective Coding

Identify the core category — the central phenomenon around which all other categories integrate. Systematically relate all categories to the core category. Write a storyline that narrates the theory.

Step 4: Theoretical Integration

Refine the theory through constant comparison. Validate against the data. Produce a substantive theory with defined concepts, propositions, and boundary conditions. Report the audit trail of coding decisions.

Output Format

## Grounded Theory Analysis: [Context]

### Core Category
- Central phenomenon: [the core category label]
- Definition: [what it means in this context]

### Category Structure
| Category | Properties | Dimensions | Relationship to Core |
|----------|-----------|------------|---------------------|
| [name]   | [key properties] | [range/variation] | [how it relates] |

### Coding Paradigm
- **Causal conditions**: [what leads to the phenomenon]
- **Context**: [specific conditions shaping action]
- **Intervening conditions**: [broader structural conditions]
- **Action/Interaction strategies**: [how actors respond]
- **Consequences**: [outcomes of action/interaction]

### Theoretical Propositions
1. [Proposition linking categories]
2. [Proposition linking categories]

### Saturation Evidence
- Categories saturated: [list]
- Data sources: [count and type]
- Point of saturation: [when no new properties emerged]

Gotchas

Do NOT begin with a literature review that biases your coding — Glaser insists on delaying the lit review until the theory emerges
Constant comparison means comparing incident-to-incident, not just category-to-category
Theoretical sampling is NOT the same as purposive sampling — it is driven by emerging theory, not pre-set criteria
The Glaserian and Straussian variants differ significantly; state which approach you follow
Theoretical saturation means no new PROPERTIES of a category emerge — not just no new codes
Memo-writing throughout the process is essential, not optional — memos capture the analytical logic

References

Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Aldine.
Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques. Sage.
Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis. Sage.

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