Explainer · Plain-language

What is grounded theory?

Grounded theory is a qualitative methodology that builds theory inductively from data, using systematic coding and constant comparison rather than testing a pre-set hypothesis.

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Grounded theory in research

Grounded theory reverses the usual order: instead of starting from a theory and testing a hypothesis, the researcher begins with data and lets theory emerge from it. Data collection and analysis proceed together, each shaping the next. Through coding, fragments of data are labelled and grouped into concepts and then categories, until a core category and an explanatory theory take shape. The aim is a theory that genuinely fits and works for the area studied, because it is built directly from the participants’ accounts.

Core techniques

Three techniques define the method. Constant comparison means continually comparing new data with existing codes and categories to refine them. Theoretical sampling means choosing the next data sources on the basis of the emerging theory, following leads rather than fixing the sample in advance. Memo-writing captures the researcher’s analytic thinking throughout. Sampling continues until theoretical saturation — the point where new data add no new properties to the categories. Together these keep the developing theory anchored in evidence.

Variants and use

Grounded theory has evolved into several strands. The original Glaserian approach stresses emergence with minimal preconception; the Straussian approach adds more structured coding procedures; and Charmaz’s constructivist grounded theory treats theory as co-constructed between researcher and participants. Despite their differences, all build theory inductively from qualitative data. The method suits questions about social processes and interactions where no adequate theory yet exists, and its rigour rests on transparent coding, saturation and a clear audit trail.

Key facts

At a glance

Definition: qualitative method building theory inductively from data
Origin: Glaser and Strauss (1967)
Logic: inductive — data first, theory emerges
Core tools: constant comparison, theoretical sampling, memo-writing
Stop rule: theoretical saturation (no new properties emerge)
Variants: Glaserian, Straussian, Charmaz constructivist

Common misconceptions

What people often get wrong

Often heard: Grounded theory means starting research with no plan and just describing the data.

Actually: It is a systematic methodology with defined procedures — coding, constant comparison, theoretical sampling and saturation — whose goal is to build an explanatory theory, not merely to describe.

Often heard: In grounded theory you test a hypothesis set before data collection.

Actually: Grounded theory is inductive: theory emerges from the data rather than being tested against a pre-set hypothesis. Concepts and categories are developed during analysis, not fixed in advance.

Often heard: Grounded theory and phenomenology are the same qualitative approach.

Actually: They differ in aim. Grounded theory builds an explanatory theory of a social process; phenomenology describes the essence of lived experience. The research question determines which fits.

Going deeper