Grounded theory is a systematic qualitative research methodology that focuses on developing theories directly from empirical data rather than starting with preconceived hypotheses or theoretical frameworks. Unlike traditional research methods, which often test existing theories, grounded theory uses inductive reasoning: researchers gather data through interviews, observations, or documents and then analyse this data as it is collected, allowing patterns and concepts to emerge organically from within the data itself.

Key characteristics of grounded theory include:

  • Starting with data: The process begins by collecting rich, qualitative data about people’s behaviours, experiences, or interactions, often through close observation or interviews.
  • Coding and categorization: As data is gathered, researchers attach codes—succinct tags that capture important concepts—and continuously compare new data with what’s already been gathered, refining and grouping these codes into higher-level categories.
  • Theory building: Through repeated comparison and analysis, overarching patterns and themes are identified. These are eventually synthesized into a theory that is “grounded” in the data, reflecting the real-world complexities and variations captured by the researchers.
  • Flexible, iterative process: The methodology is dynamic and open-ended. Researchers may return to collect more data based on emerging insights, a practice known as theoretical sampling, continuing until theoretical saturation—when no new concepts are emerging.
  • Applicability: The resulting theories are intended to be directly relevant to the specific contexts studied, providing explanations and predictions that “fit” the lived realities of participants.

Origins and the Leading Theorists

Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss are the co-founders of grounded theory. Their influential 1967 book, The Discovery of Grounded Theory, challenged the prevailing logic of hypothesis-driven research. At that time, social sciences often relied on deductive approaches—establishing theoretical frameworks first, then collecting data to confirm or deny hypotheses. Glaser, a sociologist trained in quantitative methods, and Strauss, who brought a background in medical sociology and phenomenology, aimed to create an approach that would allow theory to arise from the complexity of real-life data without being constrained by prior assumptions.

  • Barney Glaser (b. 1930): Glaser’s academic roots lie in Columbia University, where he was deeply influenced by scholars such as Paul Lazarsfeld and Robert Merton. Glaser’s focus on comparative analysis and his work in quantitative methods informed the structured, systematic nature of grounded theory. After collaborating with Strauss, Glaser helped popularize grounded theory across various disciplines and later worked to preserve what he viewed as its original methodological rigor.

  • Anselm Strauss (1916–1996): Strauss studied at the University of Chicago, a centre for symbolic interactionism, and developed strong interests in the study of social processes, interaction, and meaning making. His background brought a sensitivity to participant perspectives that became central to grounded theory. Later, Strauss—along with Juliet Corbin—refined grounded theory’s procedures by formalizing open, axial, and selective coding, expanding practitioners’ tools for data analysis.

Their early collaboration stemmed from their joint study on terminal illness, documented in Awareness of Dying (1965), which provided both the empirical impetus and the methodological framework for grounded theory.

Legacy and Influence

Grounded theory’s influence has extended far beyond sociology, impacting fields such as psychology, health sciences, management, and education. Its flexibility, adaptability, and reliance on lived experience have made it a vital tool for uncovering complex social processes and for building theories that remain closely tied to real-world practice. Subsequent theorists such as Kathy Charmaz have further developed the approach by emphasizing the researcher’s interpretative role, leading to “constructivist grounded theory,” reflecting the ongoing evolution of this foundational qualitative methodology.

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