Grounded Theory

It looks like the choice for grounded theory research approach should start with the researcher’s question of whether he or she wants to inductively generate theory or hypothesis from data to explain a process under study. That means that a researcher relies on data collection, coding, and permanent comparison of data to generate theory. I understand that there are different views on grounded theory approaches depending on the philosophical (pragmatism, postmodernism, post-structuralism, constructivism) and personal positioning of the researcher (Savin-Baden & Major, 2013). According to Savin-Baden & Major(2013), “researchers who want to stay close to the data, and who do not necessarily seek ’truth’ but rather a conception of what is taking place in a particular situation will benefit from a grounded theory approach”(p. 183). That in Charmaz’ (2006) understanding (constructivist grounded theory) means that researchers along with participants will construct their own realities. Researchers, when coding, label various instances/situations/discourses using language that ultimately expresses one way of looking at things. In this regard, Charmaz (2006) points out that “specific use of language reflects views and values...[and] coding should inspire us to examine hidden assumptions in our own use of language and that of our participants”(p. 47). Later in the chapter, Charmaz brings to our attention the idea of personal preconceptions that stem from concepts such as class, gender, , race, age, and others that “may permeate an analysis without the researcher’s awareness”(p. 67). Assumptions, preconceptions, or taken for granted cultural views may have an influence on how researchers make sense of what they are studying, and I think this is why realizing and conceptualizing our positionality is important when we take on a grounded theory approach.

I find the whole process of coding fascinating; building an understanding and eventually unveiling a hypothesis or stating a theory depends on coding and on how the researcher interacts with data. I think I have a general understanding of how coding is being done-through stages of line by line or in vivo, followed by focused coding, axial, and theoretical coding. I would be very interested of deconstructing one strong grounded theory research study so that I could better understand coding step by step. Applying this theory to practice could only work for me if I did this process in reverse- going from one study and analyzing each stage along with theory on coding within GT. approaches.

I think I had a little taste of that when I did my small scale research on school secretaries (I wanted to explore their experiences and if they felt they were important to the school curriculum). While coding I stumbled over surprising categories that revealed an interesting turn I could take in researching this further, particularly school culture, and the culture keepers.


Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. London: Sage Publications.


Savin-Baden, M., & Major, C. H. (2013). Qualitative research: The essential guide to theory and practice. Milton Park, Abingdon: Routledge.