What is grounded theory?

• A. A qualitative research method based on the symbolic interactionist perspective of human behavior; theory emerges from data through induction, then is tested deductively in iterative cycles
• B. A purely deductive method that tests existing theories with experimental data
• C. A method that avoids theory entirely
• D. A method focused only on numerical data

Answer: (A)

Grounded theory is a qualitative approach in which theory is generated from data through systematic collection and analysis, rather than starting with a preexisting hypothesis. Researchers collect and analyze data at the same time, using coding and constant comparison to identify categories and the relationships between them. As ideas emerge, data collection is guided by theoretical sampling to refine and expand the developing theory until it reaches theoretical saturation. While grounded theory has historical ties to symbolic interactionist thinking, its defining feature is theory that arises directly from the data through inductive reasoning and iterative cycles of analysis and collection, rather than starting with a deductive test of existing theories. It focuses on rich, contextual qualitative information rather than numerical data.