Research Guides: Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory: Grounded Theory

What is Grounded Theory?

Grounded Theory is about "how the discovery of theory from data - systemically obtained and analyzed in social research - can be furthered." In opposition to the top down theory verification approach, "grounded theory" is the "discovery of theory from data." It is "a general method of comparative analysis." (Glaser and Strauss, 1967, p. 1). What is produced from Grounded Theory aims to provide "relevant predictions, explanations, interpretations and application." The theory generated must "fit the substantive areas studies, be understandable to and usable by those in the situation studied, and be sufficiently complex to account for a great deal of variation." Glasser also clarified the theory by saying it is a study of a concept. Thus, Grounded Theory is a research methodology and not a theory. Other key elements of Grounded Theory include theoretical sampling, theoretical saturation, and comparative analysis.

Glasser and Strauss' book was first published in 1967, printed again in 1999 and published in 2017 by Routledge as an ebook. Strauss, with Corbin, later provided a phased coding approach with open, axial and selective coding. Charmaz (2009) uses the term constructing Grounded Theory because she takes the view that the researcher cannot ever be objective and must necessarily interprets the data and construct meaning.

Readings and Resources

Below are some key resources to get started in understanding and using the grounded theory methodology. There are also links to additional resources through Temple University libraries as well as on the web.

Books

Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research (2017, ebook)
The authors discuss how to discover or generate theory from data, grounded theory, systematically obtained and analyzed.
The SAGE Handbook of Current Developments in Grounded Theory by Antony Bryant (Editor); Kathy Charmaz (Editor)
Publication Date: 2019
Update and revised some chapters of SAGE Handbook of Grounded Theory (2007). New ones explore recent developments in grounded theory and research methods in general. Part One: The Grounded Theory Method: 50 Years On. Part Two: Theories and Theorizing in Grounded Theory. Part Three: Grounded Theory in Practice. Part Four: Reflections on Using and Teaching Grounded Theory. Part Five: GTM and Qualitative Research Practice. Part Six: GT Researchers and Methods in Local and Global Worlds. Print version
Basics of qualitative research techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. (3rd edition) by Anselm Strauss; Juliet Corbin (Editor)
Publication Date: 2007
Temple Libraries also has the 2015 print fourth edition

Temple University Libraries books and media on Grounded Theory
The link is to the Library Search results, from an advanced search with the Library of Congress Subject Heading "Grounded Theory" entered in the subject field and as a keyword in the title. Results can be filtered by genre and topic and further narrowed with additional keywords or subject (market, health, etc).

Videos

IQRN Webinars: What is Grounded Theory? The Past, Present, and Future of Grounded Theory.
This is an International Qualitative Research Network (IQRN) and ATLAS.ti sponsored webinar in October 2023. Contents include (1) Brief introduction on grounded theory with a historical overview; (2) What is meant by theory; and (3) Grounded Theory in Practice -sampling and data collection, memo-writing, coding (open and focus), theoretical sampling, theoretical saturation, and theoretical sorting, diagramming and integrating.
Grounded Theory is the study of a concept!
Dr. Barney Glaser talks about Grounded Theory in 2010
The Literature Review in Grounded Theory
Dr. Barney Glaser, the co-founder of the grounded theory methodology, talks about doing a literature review in a grounded theory dissertation.
BSA MedSoc 2012 - Professor Kathy Charmaz presents 'The Power and Potential of Grounded Theory'
The author of Constructing Grounded Theory discusses grounded theory and its variances, and the tools and methods for data collection and analysis, including theoretical sampling, coding and writing memos.
A Discussion with Prof Kathy Charmaz on Grounded Theory
Interviewed by Graham R Gibbs at the BPS Qualitative Social Psychology Conference, University of Huddersfield, UK (2013). See also Graham Gibbs's videos on grounded theory coding on YouTube.
YouTube Videos for keywords "Grounded Theory"

Websites

The Grounded Theory Institute
The official website of Dr. Barney Glaser and Classic Grounded Theory
Grounded Theory Online
"Offer online tailored support to research students; support to PhD supervisors and research committees; and consultancy to industry, post doc and professional researchers"

Qualitative Data Tools and Grounded Theory

Chapter 14 Grounded Theory Analysis and CAQDAS: A Happy Pairing or Remodeling GT to QDAS?
in The SAGE Handbook of Current Developments in Grounded Theory (2020). Susan Friese describes how to take the grounded theory approach using ATLAS.ti, NVivo, and MAXQDA.

Find Data and Studies Based on Grounded Theory

Grounded theory is a controlled vocabulary within many library platforms and databases, such as ProQuest, Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ASSIA), ABI/INFORM Collection, PubMed, ERIC, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Criminal Justice Abstracts.

Database Finder
Search for databases for your topic of interest. Within Advanced Search, look up grounded theory in the thesaurus, index, or subject headings of the database or platform. You can also enter grounded theory as a keyword in the title and abstract fields and use a methodology filter.

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