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1. Introduction to Grounded Theory

2. What is Grounded Theory?
• Grounded Theory (GT) is a qualitative research
methodology used to generate theory directly from
systematically gathered and analyzed data.
• Developed by sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm
Strauss in the 1960s, it is particularly suited to
understanding social processes and human
interactions in natural settings.

3. Key Points
Data-Driven: Grounded theory is inductive, allowing theories to
emerge from the data rather than testing preconceived
hypotheses.
Iterative Process: The researcher alternates between data
collection and analysis.
Relevance to Nursing: Widely used to explore patient
experiences, professional practices, and healthcare systems.

4. Definitions of Grounded Theory
“A systematic methodology in the social sciences involving the
construction of theories through methodical gathering and analysis
of data.” (Glaser & Strauss, 1967)
“A general method of comparative analysis that provides guidelines
for collecting, coding, and analyzing qualitative data to construct
theories grounded in the data.” (Charmaz, 2006)
“An approach that generates theory from the data by utilizing
constant comparative methods to integrate categories and concepts.”
(Corbin & Strauss, 2015)

5. Purpose of Grounded Theory in Nursing
1.Exploring Uncharted Areas: Ideal for understanding phenomena
without existing theories.
2.Patient-Centered Insights: Captures lived experiences and social
interactions.
3.Practical Application: Helps develop actionable frameworks for
clinical practice and policy.
4.Dynamic Process: Adapts to evolving healthcare environments.

6. Three Main Types of Grounded Theory
1. Classic Grounded Theory
• Founders: Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss (1967).
• Core Idea: The theory emerges purely from the data without preconceptions or
frameworks.
• Key Features:
• Relies heavily on constant comparative analysis, where data collection and
analysis occur simultaneously.
• Emphasizes objectivity by minimizing the researcher’s influence.
• Avoids forcing data into preconceived categories or theoretical constructs.
• Philosophy: Adopts a positivist approach, focusing on discovery and explanation.

7. Continued…
• Classic Grounded Theory is often seen as the "purest" form of GT,
as it stays closest to the original methodology developed by Glaser
and Strauss.
• It is rigorous and ideal for researchers who want to build entirely
new theories based on empirical evidence.

8. Continued…
2. Straussian Grounded Theory
• Developers: Anselm Strauss and Juliet Corbin (1990).
• Core Idea: Incorporates systematic coding techniques and analytical tools to structure the process of
theory development.
• Key Features:
• Uses open, axial, and selective coding to categorize and connect data systematically.
• Allows the researcher’s theoretical knowledge to guide the process, ensuring a structured
interpretation of data.
• Encourages generating frameworks that balance data-driven insights and theoretical guidance.
• Philosophy: A pragmatic approach that integrates some level of researcher influence while maintaining
a data-grounded methodology.

9. Continued…
• Straussian Grounded Theory is particularly useful for researchers
who need a more structured method to analyze complex data.
• It recognizes that researchers bring expertise and context, which can
enrich the interpretive process.

10. Continued…
3 Constructivist Grounded Theory
• Introduced by: Kathy Charmaz (2006).
• Core Idea: Reality is socially constructed, and research outcomes are co-created by the researcher and
participants.
• Key Features:
• Encourages reflexivity, where researchers acknowledge their role and biases in shaping data
collection and interpretation.
• Focuses on participants’ subjective experiences and meanings.
• Uses a flexible, interpretative approach to theory generation.
• Philosophy: Rooted in constructivist epistemology, which views knowledge as co-constructed and
context-dependent.

11. Continued…
• Constructivist Grounded Theory is ideal for studies focusing on complex social
interactions, beliefs, and behaviors.
• It emphasizes the interplay between the researcher and participants, allowing
for richer, more nuanced insights.

12. Type Philosophy Key Strengths
Classic GT Positivist Objectivity and
emergence of unbiased
theory.
Straussian GT Pragmatic Structured analysis
with researcher’s input.
Constructivist GT Constructivist Reflexive,
acknowledges the
researcher’s role.

13. Key Components of Grounded Theory
1.Theoretical Sampling: Data collection guided by emerging theory.
2.Coding:
1.Open Coding: Initial categorization of data.
2.Axial Coding: Connecting categories and subcategories.
3.Selective Coding: Identifying the core category.
3.Constant Comparative Method: Iterative comparison of data to refine
categories.
4.Memoing: Writing reflective notes during the research process.

14. Applications of Grounded Theory in Nursing
1.Patient Experience: Understanding coping mechanisms in chronic illness.
2.Professional Practices: Exploring decision-making in critical care.
3.Policy Development: Informing healthcare policies based on frontline
experiences.

15. Advantages and Limitations
• Advantages:
• Provides a deep understanding of social processes.
• Generates actionable and context-specific theories.
• Limitations:
• Time-intensive and complex.
• Requires skillful coding and analysis.
• Potential for researcher bias.

16. Summary
1.Grounded theory is a powerful qualitative method for generating theories
from data.
2.Its three main types—classic, Straussian, and constructivist—offer
flexibility in approach.
3.Widely used in nursing to address complex and dynamic research
questions.

17. References
1. Glaser, B., & Strauss, A. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Aldine Publishing Company.
2. Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis. Sage Publications.
3. Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2015). Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory (4th ed.). Sage
Publications.
4. Konecki, K. T. (2018). Classic Grounded Theory-The Latest Version: Interpretation of Classic Grounded Theory as a Meta-Theory for Research.
Symbolic Interaction, 41(4), 547-564.
5. Holton, J. A., & Walsh, I. (2017). Classic Grounded Theory: Applications With Qualitative and Quantitative Data. SAGE Publications.
6. Díaz, J., Pérez, J., Gallardo, C., & González-Prieto, Á. (2021). Applying Inter-rater Reliability and Agreement in Grounded Theory Studies in
Software Engineering. arXiv preprint arXiv:2107.11449.
7. Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2015). Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide. SAGE Publications.
8. Charmaz, K. (2017). The Power of Constructivist Grounded Theory for Critical Inquiry. Qualitative Inquiry, 23(1), 34-45.
9. Charmaz, K., & Keller, R. (2016). A Personal Journey with Grounded Theory Methodology: Kathy Charmaz in Conversation with Reiner Keller.
Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung/Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 17(1).